Animal rights protesters held a peaceful demonstration outside the headquarters of cosmetics giant The Body Shop yesterday.

About 50 members of campaign group Naturewatch travelled from across Sussex to wave banners and signs outside the company's building on the A259 at Littlehampton.

They were protesting at the sale of The Body Shop to French company L'Oreal, which they believe will lead to products being tested on animals.

The Body Shop, founded more than 30 years ago in Brighton, built its reputation on ethical trading and not testing its products on animals.

John Ruane, director of Naturewatch, said: "It went very well. Body Shop were well aware of what we were doing, as were the police, and there was full co-operation from everyone.

"I think we made our point well and there were lots of cars going round the roundabout honking their horns and showing support."

The Body Shop declined to comment.