Scores of lorry drivers have left the East of England for London to protest at soaring fuel prices.

Motorists applauded as a convoy of around 90 hauliers pulled away from the Medway services on the A2 in Kent on a three-hour journey into the capital.

Around 150 lorries left Essex and about 100 were travelling in from Bedfordshire as well as many other hauliers from all around the UK.

"We're expecting around 600 to 1,000 lorries to make it to London," said Peter Carroll, one of the protest organisers.

The owner of Seymour Transport, which has three bases including one in Maidstone, Kent, Mr Carroll went on: "We have received tremendous support for our protest, particularly in the last few days.

"There's a great atmosphere this morning. There is relief that the journey is under way, anger about high fuel prices and a determination that the Government does something to help the haulage industry."