Soho sex workers thank residents

The parade was followed by music, dance and stand-up comedy

Masked sex workers have paraded through Soho in central London to thank local people for their support in fighting plans to evict them from the area.

Police closed two flats in Dean Street in February, claiming they encouraged anti-social behaviour.

But the sex workers and local residents later won a court decision to have the properties reopened.

The parade had been organised by the Soho Working Girls and English Collective of Prostitutes.

The organisations say most working flats are small, women-run ventures that offer greater safety, companionship and lower running expenses.

They claim it is 10 times safer than working on the streets.

The parade was followed by music, dance and stand-up comedy.