The protesters claimed they were staging the demonstration at the entrance to the Royal Bank of Scotland's oil and gas division to underline "links" between the financial sector, fossil fuel industry and climate change.

The stunt follows a series of protests on Thursday when green campaigners blockaded a biofuel depot in Essex, unfurled banners at Gatwick Airport and targeted RBS's London headquarters by lying in a pool of oil outside the building.

The four-strong group called Rising Tide held a banner reading "RBS: Cashing in on Coal" and handed out leaflets.

The demo is part of the week-long Camp for Climate Action outside Kingsnorth power station in Kent, which is protesting against a new generation of coal-fired electricity plants.

Around 1,500 people have now converged on the climate camp site near Hoo amid a heavy police presence to prepare for Saturday's day of direct action.

Protesters have planned a four-pronged strategy to "shut down" Kingsnorth.

One group of campaigners will lead a procession to the power station's main gates, while another will reach it through undergrowth.

A third group aims to make a secret air approach, while the fourth plans to stage a raft regatta, despite moves by police to ban the flotilla on health and safety grounds.



Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2008, All Rights Reserved.