STUDENTS from Liverpools universities travelled to London yesterday to join a peaceful protest against tuition fees and funding cuts.

Around 200 students boarded coaches down to the capital at 6am.

They carried placards with slogans such as Scrap Tuition Fees and Free Education.

Luke Staunton, a second year student studying English at Liverpool University, arrived in London as the march began around midday.

Legal advice was given on his coach on the way down and solicitors numbers handed out.

He said: The atmosphere was good natured, with chanting and samba bands. It wasnt about violence. Police turned up armed, not students.

As part of their efforts to keep the peace, police handed out leaflets and warned demonstrators they risked arrest if they did not stay on the agreed route.

Around 4,000 officers were available to prevent any repeat of last years violent clashes. Those tactics appeared to have worked with only minor skirmishes reported.

Met Police sparked an outcry when it announced on Tuesday that officers would use rubber bullet guns against demonstrators in extreme circumstances. Some demonstrators said this had contributed to the turnout of 2,500 compared to the 10,000 expected.