PROTESTERS have been marching as the fight to save a much-loved 150-year-old tree continues.

Southend Tree Action Group has led campaigners down Chichester Road and Tyler’s Avenue today.

The march, which was due to take place at about midday, saw protesters dressed in tree costumes with banners, placards and drums.

Echo: Busy - campaigners pictured in Southend todayBusy - campaigners pictured in Southend today (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Fight - the protest was to raise awareness over a London plane tree, which has been named ChesterFight - the protest was to raise awareness over a London plane tree, which has been named Chester (Image: Gaz de Vere)

The protest has been to raise awareness over a London plane tree, which has been named Chester, and is believed to be under threat.

Senior councillors have called it a health and safety risk and the tree was previously under threat as part of plans to convert the former Churchills building into flats.

Southend Tree Action Group previously became established after taking part in the Rochford Bloor homes tree sit-in, which saw protesters camping in an oak tree, fondly named Cecilia, for four months and their recent protests look to regain that level of impact.