Protestors will hold a march and demonstration outside Portland Port today to voice their concerns over plans to house asylum seekers on a barge.

The march is organised by Stand Up to Racism Dorset, who are spreading their message that refugees are welcome in Dorset, but that they should not be housed on a barge.

The barge in Portland Harbour due to arrive in June will house over 500 men in 220 berths.

Protestors will gather at the Gateway Pillars in Victoria Square Roundabout on Portland at 12.30pm where they will march towards Portland Port.

Once the march has reached the gates to the port, a concluding rally will be hosted with speakers arranged.

A spokesperson said: "This is a public statement, not a mass demonstration, we have spoken to Dorset Police and everything has been agreed.

"Everyone is entitled to come."

Protestors are also set to bring along a mock-up barge complete with statements and quotes from the group symbolising their views towards it.

The spokesperson said: "We are bringing our own barge, a smaller version of the Bibby Stockholm with our statements on it.

"It was a community initiative to put together.

"It does need four people to carry it so it should send a message."