Protesters are out in force to give US President George Bush a frosty welcome on a chilly morning ahead of his visit to Sedgefield this morning.

The first protesters, students from Durham University, arrived in the village at around 8am.

They were soon joined by hundreds of other protesters, some from as far as London and Scotland.

Protester Richard Wanless of the Sedgfield Against War group said: "It's an enormous waste of taxpayers' money for a photo opportunity no more than a publicity stunt."

Derek Cattell, a member of Sedgefield Labour Party, said: "Like many Labour Party members I'm very uncomfortable with this visit from the President who could not be more diametrically opposed to the ethos of the Labour Party."

A large police presence ensured security was at a maximum with several roads closed to traffic.

The road around the Dun Cow pub, where Mr Blair is expected to entertain his guest at lunchtime, was sealed off from early morning.

Mr Bush also had his fair share of supporters, with well-wishers lining one side of the road with flags and banners.