A PROTEST in York in support of veterans who served in Northern Ireland during the troubles was met with a counter-rally in the city centre today.

York Stand Up To Racism organised a rally in Parliament Street, which was supported by York Green Party, and attracted dozens of people.

They were protesting against a rally which was held to highlight "the current injustices faced by Northern Ireland veterans", according to its organiser Robert Gray, who served during the troubles.

Mr Gray said: "Our rally was held to stop veterans who served in Northern Ireland being persecuted."

There was a heavy police presence in the city centre "to facilitate peaceful protest and ensure safety," North Yorkshire Police said.

The deputy leader of UKIP, MEP Mike Hookem, attended and spoke at the rally.

Jane Carter, a member of York Stand Up To Racism and co-organiser of the counter-rally, said she saw a Facebook page promoting the protest for the Northern Ireland veterans which she claims "was supported by some really far right groups".

She added: "That alerted us to thinking this is just not about the purported aim of their march which is justice for veterans in Northern Ireland."

The veterans and their supporters assembled in St Helen's Square before a march took place along Davygate, Parliament Street, High Ousegate, Spurriergate, Coney Street and back to St Helen's Square. About 120 people joined in.

A banner promoting the Democratic Football Lads Alliance was held aloft during the march by one group who joined in.

As the march went through Parliament Street, Mr Gray said there was chanting from the counter-protestors.

He added: "The veterans reacted with dignity."

Richard Inman, who was a British soldier who served in Northern Ireland from 1987-89, said: "This is a veterans’ march, it's nothing to do with religion or race - this is purely to do with Northern Ireland veterans. Those people [counter-protestors] need to get the facts right before they start insulting.

"These brave men and women put their lives on the line not just in Northern Ireland, in conflicts since the Second World War."

Mike Hookem added: "There is no far-right here, these are all army veterans an I am the only politician here.

"I'm speaking purely in support of veterans and in support of those who have been taken to court for historic cases."

North Yorkshire Police has confirmed that there were no incidents or arrests to report following the protests.