Protesters campaigning against the proposed mining 900,000 tonnes of coal from a Telford beauty spot were due to sail down the River Severn today in a makeshift boat in a bid to get their message out.

In October UK Coal was granted permission to mine a site at Huntington Lane in New Works, at the foot of the Wrekin.

The decision caused outrage among campaigners who then moved onto the site and set up camp in March.

UK Coal says the operation will be clean and bring dozens of jobs to Telford including “several millions of pounds” of trade to businesses in the town.

In a bid to continue their public message of “no new coal”, 10 protesters were today due to sail in a boat they made from recycled materials and float through Ironbridge with several banners.

One campaigner, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s outrageous that there are plans to dig up this area of outstanding natural beauty in order to feed our addiction to fossil fuels.

“Shropshire is rightly proud of its heritage as the birthplace of industry, but look at the mess fossil fuels, particularly coal, have got us into.

“The site itself is so very beautiful and absolutely teeming with wildlife. How could UK Coal think it worthwhile to destroy such beauty for the sake of a relatively small quantity of the dirtiest fuel known to man?

“In order to avoid the worst impact of climate change we must quit fossil fuels and say no to new coal developments such as the one at Huntington Lane.”

A further 10 people from the camp said they would be taking turns to walk up and down the river banks talking to the public and informing them on their fight to save the area from mining.

She added: “We want people to know that we are still fighting hard to save this area and again thank everyone for their support.”

The group was expected to cross under the Ironbridge at about noon today.

By Jason Lavan