Famed eco-warrior King Arthur hoisted aloft a protest flag to help Rettendon's bypass protesters stake their territory.

The pagan priest raised the red, green and black standard - which stands for 'reclaim the streets' - above a hilltop tower built by the campaigners.

He also met locals and vowed to support efforts to stop a £92 million A130 bypass being built through historic Gorse Wood.

King Arthur, chairman of the Council of British Druid Orders, said: "I am a veteran of many campaigns and I was invited to come down to this one to have a look at the countryside.

"It's stupid to build this road, especially when it has been put back before because of protests.

"There is definitely a traffic problem here and the people are in need of a bypass but not to the extent they're planning."

He added that he feared the new road would lead to housing estates, schools and industrial areas springing up and causing further destruction of the countryside.

King Arthur, dressed in white robes bearing a red dragon symbol, is famed for appearing - and usually being arrested - at protest sites across the country.

He was due to knight several of the Rettendon eco-warriors but his ceremonial sword is in police custody after his latest brush with the law.

King Arthur, who had a mortgage and a job arranging contracts for new roads before he "rode off into the sunset" 13 years ago, added: "I'm a pagan priest and this planet is my goddess. It's totally illogical to go round destroying it and creating concrete jungles.

"The druid order will no longer stay silent about this sort of thing.

"I tend to be at the sharp end, getting arrested - I'm on my 38th court appearance."

The local campaigners welcomed the colourful King around their camp fire and he promised to return when the police and bailiffs finally arrive to serve eviction notices.

Work is well under way on treehouses and tunnels at the site in preparation for that day.

Warrior Susanna, a 55-year-old grandmother and former film director, said: "We're glad King Arthur is here to support us.

"The flag we have raised has been to lots of protest sites such as Newbury and will let the police and everyone know we're here and who we are."

Truck driver John Meyn, of Meadow Road, Rettendon, came down to meet King Arthur. He said: "I like to lend a bit of support. Taking traffic out of the villages will just put the speed of cars up and that's what causes the accidents."

Field of battle - King Arthur surveys the site of the new A130 bypass, which protesters say they will fight to protect

(Right) Veg patch - eco-warrior Jules tends a garden she has set up to provide food

Pictures: NICK ANSELL

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