Thanet residents calling for racial equality have been taking to the streets today.

Hundreds turned up for the Margate to Minneapolis Protest March, being hosted in solidarity with worldwide Black Lives Matter protests.

The Margate-based community organisation, the People Dem Collective, was behind today's march, touting it as "a peaceful, family friendly and socially distanced protest".

Starting from Cliftonville's Viking Playground at midday, participants walked along the Upper Promenade along Ethelbert Terrace and Fort Crescent to the King’s Steps by Margate Main Sands.

Attendees then went down on one knee for eight minutes and 46 seconds - the same length of time African-American man George Floyd had his neck compressed by a white police officer.

Mr Floyd's death on May 25 sparked worldwide protests after video emerged of officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck despite the pleas of the 46-year-old and onlookers.

Protests across America were met with similar events across the globe, including Kent.

Gallery1

A 17-year-old Ashford resident quickly organised a roadside gathering to show support for the effort, and this weekend has seen a number of protests taking place.

Some have taken place outside the Kent Police headquarters, while others are holding a silent protest by the sea.

Not everyone was pleased to see today's protest in Margate, raising concerns about social distancing. One Twitter user posted: "Protesters today thanks for thinking about everyone equally including all the locals #shielding plus a town filled with #carehomes! Using the #nhs services in 2-3 weeks time with family and friends!"

In contrast, Dom Bridges tweeted: "Immensely proud of our town / that’s some turn out well organised powerful powerful presence well done all especially @peopledemcolle1."

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet