HUNDREDS of people took the streets of Manningtree to take part in a noisy protest march against proposed cuts to libraries.

The Young People's march saw children, their parents and other campaigners join together to march from the methodist church in South Street to the town's library in High Street.

Protestors donned fancy dress costumes and musical instruments to make their voices heard.

Organiser, mum-of-two Holly Turner, said the idea was to hit back at Essex County Council's planned cuts to library services across Essex, including the potential closing of Manningtree library.

She said: “We had a placard making workshop before the march which was incredibly successful, with us running out of all supplies.

“Glitter tattoos were applied kindly donated from a local business and we had a wishing tree where the children could write their ‘library wishes’ which we will scrap book and display.

“Over 20 marshals were well briefed on the route and managed the safety of all amazingly."

And it wasn’t a silent protest.

Whistles, drums, guitars, trumpets, maracas, recorders and all sorts of instruments made it loud and there was singing and chanting all the way too.

Holly, who addressed the crowds and thanked them for taking part, added: “Owners and staff from businesses lined the streets to cheer us on and on return the children filled the stage to chant and sing.

“It was a really amazing show of community spirit.”

Elsa and Belle the fairytale princesses greeted the children back and gave book vouchers to the two best costumes.