It was the fourth such demonstration to take place outside the Coniston Hotel, in Sittingbourne, in recent weeks.

The vigil, which started early on Saturday morning was scheduled to last until at least 1800 GMT.

Between 35 and 40 protesters have gathered on the pavement outside the hotel by 1100 GMT, with more expected later.

Union flags

The group, which included men, women and children, chanted while waving placards and union flags.

Passing car drivers beeped their horns in support.

Officers from Kent Police were present and appeared to have expected larger numbers of people, according to a witness at the scene.

He said there was no obvious right-wing element at the protest and it remained peaceful.

Protest march

Last week, about 150 people marched through the centre of Sittingbourne in the morning before staging a two-hour vigil outside the hotel in the evening.

A second public meeting has been organised by Swale Borough Council at Wyvern Hall, in Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, for 1900 GMT on 13 February.

Another protest march through Sittingbourne town centre is planned for the following day.

The demonstration will start at the Wheatsheaf pub at 1900 GMT and finish outside the Coniston Hotel, where protesters will stay until 2200 GMT.