by Jess Banham

Scores of protesters are expected to join a march today after a gay couple were subjected to repeated taunts.

Partners Simon Bennett, 19, and Reece Heron, 18, say they have been spat at and taunted while walking down the high street in the town - just for holding hands.

Now supporters are due to join a peaceful protest to back the pair.

Simon, of Belgrave Road, Tunbridge Wells, said: “We’ve had things thrown at
us and we’re constantly having people yelling at us out of cars or walking past us on the street.

“I find it quite upsetting that I can’t be accepted and just really angry that people feel they have to say these comments.

"I don’t really want to step outside my house because I know something’s going to be said.”

Their best friend Stephanie Mortlock, 18, decided to organise the protest on their behalf, which is due to leave Tonbridge Park at midday.

She said: “We thought it’d be a cool idea if everyone holds hands on the march, it’s all of us saying it is OK to hold hands.

"We shouldn’t have to face any hatred for doing so; we have a right to do so."

She urged the people of Tonbridge to let people live their lives.

Stephanie said: “If it was two straight people you wouldn’t even look at them sideways but as soon as it’s two guysor two girls, suddenly people think it’s their right to yell at them which obviously is not OK.”

It is hoped around 200 people will attend the peaceful protest, all blowing whistles and carrying rainbow flags.