Rettendon's eco-warriors were today to be knighted by famed protester King Arthur and his sword of Britain.

The character, who claims he is king of the druids, was invited along by campaigners camped out in Gorse Wood in protest at the proposed new A130 bypass.

Several of the eco-warriors are themselves druids and King Arthur, dressed in his full regalia, was expected to decide to knight some of his followers at today's meeting.

He was also due to raise a special flag to mark the warriors' new territory.

One said: "King Arthur has visited all the famous protest sites such as Crystal Palace and is really behind everything we do to protect the environment. He's a star.

"One of the things he will be doing is a flag-raising ceremony at one of the towers we've got here.

"He will be raising a red, green and black standard which has been at lots of different protests.

"We do have some druids down here, but they don't go around in white robes."

Locals from nearby Rettendon were also being invited along by the protesters to meet King Arthur.

The character hit national headlines when his sword was confiscated at Stonehenge.

With the help of his supporters he brought his campaign to London and had the decision overturned by the High Court.

He won his sword back on the grounds it was used for religious purposes.

Rettendon's eco-warriors set up camp in woodland in May in the hope of forcing Essex County Council to consider other alternatives to the £92 million bypass.

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