Nature lovers turned out in force to protest against plans to build thousands of homes to the east of Luton.

Nearly 300 people took part in the weekend ramble through countryside that could become home to up to 4,000 new houses if the developer Bloor Homes has its way.

The land is Green Belt but could lose protected status in the government's drive to build thousands of new homes in the Luton and Dunstable area.

On Sunday dog walkers, horse riders, walkers and cyclists gathered at Dog Kennel Farm near Lilley to show the strength of opposition to the plans. Their route took in countryside around Cockernhoe, Mangrove Green and Tea Green - villages around which Bloor wants to build.

Protest organiser Alison Balfour-Lynn said: 'These villages will be swallowed up in a sea of development. It will be like a completely new town and the infrastructure isn't there. The A505 is dangerous enough as it is without an increase in traffic, and we're not on gas out here, we're all on heating oil.'

Last month Bloor held several workshops to discuss issues surrounding the development with residents, and is due to publish the feedback it has had later this year.

To find out more about the plans and comment on them, click here

Does the Green Belt have to give way to allow everyone the chance to have a home? You can comment on this story online by scrolling down and following the instructions - or click here to email us your views