Starting outside HSBC bank on Market Place shortly before 5.30pm last Thursday, more than 200 people of all ages gathered to pledge their support for keeping the two places free of parking charges.

They were then led by a number of Pocklington's local councillors who held a huge banner bearing the Pocklington Post's "Keep Parking Free" campaign image.

They were also joined by town crier Geoff Sheasby, dressed in full regalia and ringing a bell to help rally the protesters.

A police escort was deployed while designated marshals directed traffic as the huge line of people filled the streets around Market Place, Regent Street, New Street and Burnby Lane to the rugby club.

Once at the club, and with the East Riding councillors present, Geoff Sheasby made a short speech followed by Pocklington's new mayor, Councillor David Sykes.

A petition listing hundreds of names was then handed over, with more than 200 Keep Parking Free slips that readers had handed in to the Post.

Those who had joined the parade then waited to sign their names on the roadshow attendance list, with many then staying to speak with the East Riding representatives and taking a closer looking at the plans.

Pocklington councillor Jeff Shepherd, who was largely responsible for organising the protest with Councillor Tony Marron, was astounded at the turn out.

He said: "I thought it was absolutely fantastic. I thought the turnout was brilliant and we must thank everybody that supported us. Hopefully the parking review panel at East Riding Council will now have got the message loud and clear that Pocklington does not want parking charges. It shows that we are prepared to fight this all the way."

Councillor Felicity Temple, who has led the parking review panel's proposals, said: "I was not surprised by the turnout because I knew there was a groundswell and that the members of the town council were mobilising people for this.

"It was really nice to see people supporting something that they are passionate about.

"People do feel worried and we understand that. It's been a common theme everywhere we have been, but at the end of the day we have to find some fairer system for our car parks."

East Riding Council has defended the plans to introduce parking fees, which could see 20 existing free car parks being subject to pay and
display. This includes Pocklington's three long-stay car parks and one in Stamford Bridge.

But County Hall says the charges are necessary to provide a regulated system across the whole of the region, with the likes of Beverley, Bridlington and Driffield already paying to park.

As a result of the proposed changes, charges in these towns could be reduced.

But there are fears among Pocklington residents and shopkeepers that it could kill off trade in the town, and see the streets filled with motorists looking to avoid payment.