AROUND 50 people marched through Blackburn town centre over what they claim is the 'continued persecution of ex-military personnel' who served in Northern Ireland.

Red Rose District 13 Grand Orange Lodge of England organised the protest march this afternoon which culminated with the laying of a wreath at the War Memorial at Blackburn Cathedral.

Police said they had been notified of the event on May 4 and that it passed off peacefully.

Sgt Craig Jarrett said the protesters had provided their own security and that police kept a watching brief.

Sgt Jarrett said: "It was a peaceful procession which went off without incident."

The march, which included traditional drumming and flute playing, started in Mincing Lane, before going along Barton Street, Blakey Moor, Northgate, Duke Street, Barbara Castle Way, Ainsworth Street and Railway Road, before finishing in Cathedral Square.

A spokesman for the lodge said: "We were walking in protest of the continued persecution of ex-military personnel who served on Operation Banner in Northern Ireland."

Operation Banner was the operational name for the British Armed Forces' operation in Northern Ireland from August 1969 to July 2007.