A FARMER is planning on staging a fuel 'go slow' protest this morning - that will cause major traffic disruption to Gateshead, Newcastle and surrounding areas.

It is not the first time Andrew Spence from Leadgate in Consett has organised a protest - back in 2000 he also staged a similar demonstration in Jarrow protesting fuel prices.

Hundreds are expected to attend today.

Farmers with tractors, lorries, cars and people on foot will meet in Team Valley at around 11am.

They plan to go onto the A1 onto the A184 into Newcastle City Centre, past the BBC onto the central motorway, over the Tyne Bridge into Low Fell and them finishing at the Angel of the North.

Read more: Farmer Andrew Spence staging fuel protest on Saturday

Northumbria Police are aware that the protest is going ahead.

Yesterday a spokesperson said: "We are aware of a planned protest in Gateshead and Newcastle this weekend.

“The safety of everyone, including those participating in the protest, other members of the public and our officers will always be our utmost priority.

“The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which the police uphold.”

Andrew said he had support from the police and that demonstrators would not stop emergency vehicles getting through.

In a video posted to Facebook yesterday he said: "If you don't have a car, don't have a licence it still affects you. Everything that you have in your home, in your life at some point has been delovered or manufactured with the use of fuel."

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