Hundreds of people set off for London today to protest against George Bush's state visit to Britain, the morning after a demo in central Brighton.

Dozens of workers joined students and seasoned activists from Brighton making their way to the biggest demonstration planned for the American president's three-day stay.

Most were eager to point out they were campaigning against Tony Blair and the Bush administration rather than criticising the beliefs of the American public.

Brenda Brown, 39, a mental health social worker, said: "We call ourselves a democratic country but after the anti-war march on February 15 the nation's voice was not heard."

Laurie Edmonds, 83, a retired publisher, said: "He obviously wants to extend his activities to other countries like Syria and Iran."

Among the students travelling to London was 29-year-old Icelander Elfa Petursdottir, studying history at the University of Sussex.

She said: "I do not agree with American foreign policy at the moment. They are meddling with things they should not have anything to do with."

Protesters gathered in Brighton last night to voice their opposition to US President George Bush.

About 100 campaigners met in the Old Steine at 5.30pm waving placards with the slogans "Bush Sucks", "go home" and "ban Bush".

Children, students, families and the retired were among the crowd protesting against the war in Iraq, Mr Bush's official state visit to Britain and America's foreign policy.

Ian Scott, 60, of Palmeira Avenue, Hove, said: "The fact Bush is in our country is a disgrace. it's diabolical.

"I'm shocked he was given an official state visit. I wrote to my MP, Ivor Caplin, and Mr Blair expressing my disgust."

Green Party member Sue Priest, who travelled from her home in Lewes, said: "George Bush should not be here. You have to come to these protests to get the message across.

"It is an incredibly Right-wing American government and we should not be getting into bed with them. Their foreign policy is appalling."

Ricky Macdonald, 23, from Brighton, said: "The visit has cost £5 million, caused a huge amount of disruption in London and half the population do not want him here."