FRIENDS of the Earth members from Wyre Forest took part in a nationwide day of protest against petrol giant Esso.

Protesters gathered outside the filling station on Bewdley Hill, Kidderminster, and urged drivers not to buy fuel on Stop Esso Day on Saturday. Rik Powell of Friends of the Earth at the protest.

The environmental organisation claims Esso denies links between the burning of fuel and global warming and has blocked action to tackle it.

But Esso accused Friends of the Earth of a campaign of "misinformation."

A spokeswoman added the company was reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the development and introduction of new technology.

Gordon Sawyer, UK public affairs manager said: "According to our retailers the sporadic protests have had no discernible impact on the business of stations."

The Stop Esso campaign was launched last May.