Hundreds of people gathered today for the Orange Order's first march in Kent for half a century.

The controversial Protestant rally started at the Great Lines in Gillingham and continued through the Medway Towns.

It sparked a debate on KentOnline when the march was announced and more than 100 angry posters commented on the website.

Bus operator Arriva told passengers to expect disruption on a number of routes because of the event.

Motorists were also warned they faced traffic gridlock with more than a dozen road closures.

And there were fears up to 5,000 football supporters would flood the area due to Gillingham FC’s home match today.

A counter-rally was also planned by protestors to take place simultaneously in The Strand, Gillingham.

Medway Police said its officers were monitoring events, but that "there is no cause for concern".

Arriva’s publicity manager Richard Lewis said: "I am sorry that events outside our control will once again cause disruption to our services in the Medway area.

"I would suggest that anyone who is travelling on Saturday afternoon should allow more time for their journey if they are travelling to make connections or attend appointments.

"Our drivers and controllers will be doing their best to keep services running as near to time as they can.

"But the effects of the road closures will be felt as far away from Gillingham as Hempstead, Walderslade and Maidstone on those services which are directly affected.

"I would ask that our customers are patient and that if their bus is running late they should realise that it is not the fault of the driver."

"This is yet another example of disruption caused to our services in the Medway area over which we have no control, following on from the long series of road works which have been a constant source of delays for many months."