EXTINCTION Rebellion campaigners are staging a demonstration outside County Hall in Durham, where cabinet is meeting this morning.

They plan to move to the city centre later today.

Whilst many of the protestors are from outside the county they say they represent the views of thousands of residents who object to Banks' planning application to extend its Bradley opencast site and urging members not to approve the scheme.

The Northern Echo: Nupur Farley and Gustin DunnNupur Farley and Gustin Dunn

A date for the decision is not known but campaigners say it could be March.

Jen Muir said: "This is a global issue. DCC declared a climate emergency, now isn't a time to allow expansion of any coal mines. We need to keep coal in the ground."