Live animal exports have begun again from the Port of Ramsgate this morning despite protests from campaigners.

The RSPCA said officers were to check the welfare of the sheep before the shipment left at about 10am.

It follows almost a year since live animal exports from Britain to Europe has taken place through the Port of Dover and amid animal welfare concerns.

Dozens of sheep died in chaotic scenes at Ramsgate during export on lorries in September 2012.

This led to Thanet District Council bringing in a five-week suspension of live exports at the port while it sought reassurances about the transport of animals from the government.

Last week, the High Court confirmed this was illegal in a move that has left the authority potentially liable to pay compensation to live export companies.

Protesters from Kent Action Against Live Exports arrived at the Port of Ramsgate this morning.

Some campaigners clashed with police after they objected to being filmed by officers.

The RSPCA was also at the port on the invitation of the Harbour Master and Thanet council.

David Bowles, from the charity, said: "This comes just a week after Thanet District Council were rapped by a high court judge for imposing a temporary ban on live exports following a tragedy in September 2012 in which over 40 sheep had to be humanely destroyed at the port, on the instructions of veterinary surgeons.

"That incident had highlighted how unsuitable the port is for live exports.

"It is concerning that Ramsgate is apparently once again to be used to ship live animals intended for the meat trade on the continent when there are no emergency facilities at the port should the animals need to be unloaded."

Thanet council suspended the trade at Ramsgate after an incident in which two sheep were drowned and more than 40 others had to be shot after been found severely lame.

Animal export company Channel Livestock and its boss were fined thousands of pounds earlier this year for causing unnecessary suffering to animals.