ANTI-NUCLEAR protestors yesterday stepped up their campaign against space-age plans for US bases, which they claim would trigger a new nuclear arms race.

Campaigners marked the United States' Independence Day by presenting a "declaration of independence from American militarism" to officials at Menwith Hill, near Harrogate.

A group of protestors staged a demonstration at the base, before setting off on a five-day walk to the Fylingdales early warning station on the North York Moors.

The walk is being undertaken by campaigners from groups including the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB) and the Yorkshire CND.

It is the latest in a series of demonstrations against the US Government's National Missile Defence initiative, which would see Menwith Hill become a ground relay station for a space-based defence system.

A spokesperson for CAAB said the latest plans would make the North Yorkshire bases an integral part of a system that went against major international treaties.