More than 500 campaigners fighting plans for a second runway at Gatwick Airport held a bulldozer at bay in a symbolic gesture of opposition.

There were angry cries of "No way Gatwick runway" at the protest rally coinciding with the end of the Government's airport consultation process which has been assessing public opinion on plans to expand the airport.

Protesters claim up to two more runways could destroy a 185-acre area of ancient woodland, rich in wildlife, as well as the village of Charlwood. Buildings dating back to Saxon and Medieval times could be lost.

Some of the protesters lay in front of the bulldozer as it was held at bay at the entrance to the wood, known as Edolphs Copse.

The Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (GACC) and the Woodland Trust, which owns the woodland under threat, staged the demonstration.

GACC committee member Peter Barclay said: "We got more than 500 people including families and children.

"People were lying down in front of the bulldozer which demonstrates the actions that could occur if anybody does try to go ahead with these proposals."

The trust's policy director Hilary Alison said: "Our purpose is serious. We cannot afford to see people's and wildlife's homes destroyed.

"Two new runways at Gatwick would involve the loss of more than 185 acres of ancient woodland."

Monday June 16, 2003