HUNDREDS of people turned out for a torch-lit procession in the early hours.

Streets across Tendring were plunged into darkness in March, when Essex County Council’s part-night lighting scheme was introduced.

Lights are now switched off between midnight and 5am.

But following an arson attack in Dovercourt, where six cars went up in flames, residents organised a protest against the switch-off.

Around 300 campaigners paraded with torches along Main Road, Dovercourt, at midnight lastFriday.

The march was organised by Facebook group, Friends of Harwich.

Chairman Jenny Alderson said: “It was brilliant, there were about 250 to 300 people there all with their torches and wearing high-visibility jackets."