HUNDREDS of campaigners armed with banners, megaphones, whistles and drums marched through Basildon town centre to protest over the selling-off of playing fields across the borough.

Around 300 protesters from the Kent View Road and Gloucester Park campaign groups joined forces outside Toys R Us and marched through the town centre to vent their anger over the council selling off land to fund the £38 million Sporting Village.

Many shoppers stopped to cheer on the campaigners as they gathered outside the council offices in St Martin's Square.

* SPECIAL REPORT AND PICTURES IN MONDAY'S ECHO