Protest over anti-Islamic group

A WDL demonstration in Swansea was met with a larger counter protest

A vigil has been held in Newport organised by people opposed to the Welsh Defence League (WDL).

Backed by the Muslim Council of Wales and Cytun (Churches Together), people gathered on Friday night to sing, listen to speakers and light candles.

The WDL had planned to protest in the city on Saturday but told Gwent Police the event was cancelled.

A WDL demonstration against Islamic extremism in Swansea last weekend was met with a larger counter protest.

David Phillips, chief executive of the South East Wales Racial Equality Council, said beforehand that the aim of the vigil in Westgate Square was to show the WDL was not welcome in Newport.

"It's an opportunity for people who would not normally dream of going to a demonstration to come along and show their solidarity," he said.

Although the WDL told police their protest was off, Mr Phillips said counter-demonstrators still planned to go ahead with their action on Saturday.