Gun lobby takes protest to the streets of London

Banner-waving gun enthusiasts walking through central London yesterday to protest against anti-gun laws planned in the wake of the Dunblane tragedy. The demonstration, organised by the Sportsman's Association, attracted more than 12,000 hunting and shooting fans from around the United Kingdom. As well as showing opposition to the Firearms Bill, by marching from Speaker's Corner to Trafalgar Square, they spoke of possibly fielding candidates in the general election.

Their spokesman, Michael Yardley, said the rally - the third since the association was founded last October - had drawn an "extraordinary" number of people, who refused "to go down quietly".

Photograph: Emma Boam