The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr Maureen Christian, put aside her mayoral chains to join protesters against the controversial Campsfield detention centre.

The centre in Langford Lane, Kidlington, is used to hold asylum-seekers.

Cllr Christian is among those who have called for the camp's closure because they say it is inhumane. She braved the cold weather to join demonstrators, who meet outside the centre on the last Saturday of every month.

She said: "I have been unable to attend every demonstration because they often clash with my mayoral duties. But if you believe in something, you have got to go on fighting and hope that eventually what you want will prevail. What is important is that refugees should be treated humanely. Most of these people are fleeing from places where they are being persecuted.

"It is humiliating to lock them up when they get here. I will continue to support the Campaign to Close Campsfield."