SCORES of people from the local gay community marched through the Bournemouth on Saturday to celebrate diversity, while Christian preachers gathered in the Square to condemn homosexuality.

There had been fears of clashes after evangelical lobby group Christian Voice said supporters would be descending on the town to preach their anti-gay message.

Bournemouth's gay community reacted by organising its own celebration, Bourne Free, to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the birth of Oscar Wilde.

But the day passed off peacefully, as members of the Bournemouth's Metropolitan Community Church joined students, union members and gay groups on a march through the town, followed by a picnic in the Lower Gardens with live bands.

Jonathan Spencer from Bourne Free said: "This was a splendid, positive event, all about fun, peaceful protest, and building equality through social cohesion.

"In a sense, we really ought to thank these preachers for helping us to prove what a splendid inclusive place Bournemouth is, and also for bringing all the communities together like this."

Dr Michael Halls added that he was surprised at how few Christian Voice preachers turned up on Saturday.

"We counted about 10 who preached, and maybe another 20 people who came along to support them," he said.

"However, I have to say that some of what we heard was very nasty.

"I wonder if all the preachers had seriously considered, or understood, the possibly damaging effects that their words might have on local children and young people walking past."

Christian Voice supporters organised their event to celebrate the memory of Harry Hammond, a preacher who died of natural causes after lodging an appeal following a decision to fine him for a public order offence.

He had been convicted for displaying a placard criticising homosexuality, but last week his granddaughter came forward to say his extreme views had been linked to mental illness.

She had begged Christian Voice not to use Mr Hammond's name in their anti-gay protests.

Bournemouth's politicians were united in their opposition to the Christian Voice demonstration.

But the national director of Christian Voice, Stephen Green, said: "Bournemouth is known for sun, sea and sand, and increasingly now for sex.

"There doesn't seem to be any morality left in the town.

"The borough council seems to want Bournemouth to become less of a family resort and more of a homosexual Mecca. Everyone seems to be terrified of offending the homosexuals."

First published: October 18