A key organiser in the Dover protests has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for violent disorder.

Shane Calvert, 34, of Shadsworth Close in Blackburn, Lancashire, rallied supporters to take part in a march through the town on Saturday 30 January 2016.

A counter-protest was held at the same time and both sides quickly engaged in violence towards one another.

Calvert was filmed throwing debris, pushing against the police cordon and standing on a police vehicle during the disturbance.

He was arrested at his home address on Monday 7 March 2016 but denied a charge of violent disorder.

A trial was held at Canterbury Crown Court and a jury returned a guilty verdict last Thursday .

Detective Inspector Bill Thornton said: ‘While everyone involved in the violence was responsible for their own actions, Shane Calvert played a big part in bringing groups of troublemakers together in one place.

‘He has considerable influence over those who share his political views and has a lot to answer for following the wholly unacceptable behaviour witnessed in Dover last January.

‘I am very pleased the courts have recognised this and imposed a lengthy prison sentence on Calvert, ensuring he will no longer be able to stir up trouble and bring further harm to other communities throughout the UK.

‘The investigation into offences committed on the day continues and I am confident there will be many more positive outcomes for the people of Dover.

Calvert had previously appeared at the Crown Court in March when he was banned from attending the follow-up rallies in Dover on April 2 and April 23.

He was bailed at the time and the court heard that he was allegedly a member of the far right group the North West infidels.

He had been in an unprecedented riot in Dover that January when groups such as the National Front, South East Alliance and Combat 18 marched into the town.

Groups such as Kent Anti-Racism Network and Antifa had a counter-rally in the Market Square with speakers including Shadow Cabinet member Diane Abbott.

Trouble erupted when a large group, many masked, who were with the left-wing side broke away from the rally to confront the far right as they arrived at Dover Priory Station.

There were horrific scenes of violence including brick and stone throwing by the two factions at either end of Effingham Street.