Greenpeace has hailed attempts by activists to stop a coal-carrying ship from docking at Kingsnorth power station as "very successful".

A total of 10 protesters were arrested. Campaigners boarded a moving bulk freighter carrying coal to the controversial power plant on Sunday night, before scaling the vessel's funnel and foremast.

Police say other some protesters entered the water in an effort to "impede" the vessel.

Greenpeace spokesman Ben Stewart - who was among those cleared of charges following last year's protests at the same power station - said the principal aim of the operation was to prevent coal from being unloaded.

He said: "It was successful. They prevented coal from being unloaded for a whole day and the guys say they felt they got to have their say."

Greenpeace said three women, including mother-of-three Emma Gibson, from Whitstable, swam out in front of the ship, while climbers were "hanging off the side".

A stand-off between police and four protesters on the ship continued throughout Monday, during which Sarah Shoraka , speaking from the top of the mast, said "coal is the most climate-wrecking fuel there is".

All four came down from the mast on Monday night following negotiations with police and energy company E.ON, and were arrested on suspicion of maritime offences.

Six others were arrested earlier. The vessel did manage to dock at the power station.