STUDENTS have held a protest at the continued sale of arms by British companies to dictators and repressive regimes.

Members of the Durham University branch of the human rights group Amnesty International staged the demonstration on Kingsgate Bridge, near Dunelm House, New Elvet, in Durham City yesterday.

The protesters asked passers-by to sign a petition that will be sent to the Government demanding action to stop the trade.

They are angry that the Government has not clamped down on exports to stop weapons getting into the wrong hands.

Spokeswoman Anna Phillips said: "The Government has said it will introduce new arms legislation in terms of exports, but it has not happened.

"Proposed legislation was going to be in the Queen's Speech, but it was taken out.

"We are the second biggest arms exporter after America. The laws have not changed since the Tories were in power."