PROTESTORS against the foot-and-mouth site at Inkerman, near Tow Law, took their placards and slogans to Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court, yesterday.

Appearing for a pre-trial review into allegations that they failed to leave land as directed, six defendants were told their case had been adjourned for a later date.

Speaking after the decision, defendant Emma Nicol, 26, said: "We have to keep the protest in the public eye, so even though our case has been adjourned, we are glad we came.

"We were hoping they would set a date for a trial, but we'll have to wait. It is frustrating - but it is also frustrating watching carcasses going in to the site."

Emma Nicol, of Coronation Avenue, Fiona Nicol, 48, of Helme Park Terrace, Norma Dellavolta, 57, of Coronation Avenue, Christine Suddes, 38, of Railway Street, Katrina Rowley, 25, of Weardale Crescent and Lisa Rowley, 22, also of Weardale Crescent, all Tow Law, deny a charge of failing to leave land as directed.

All six were told to return to Chester-le-Street magistrates court for their pre-trial review on July 26.

l Although campaigners in Tow Law have failed to get the Inkerman site closed, organisers of a fun day on the Millennium Green are determined to show that life goes on.

The festival starts at 1.30pm, with sideshows, pony rides, a bouncy slide and obstacle course, face painting, crafts, displays by community groups and a falconry display.

Read more about the foot-and-mouth crisis here.