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Thousands are expected to take part in a parade in protest to the Parades Commission - with a call for similar demonstrations across Northern Ireland.

Organisers say more than 40 bands will join the Protestants Against Injustice march in Ballymoney, Co Antrim on Saturday 24 September.

And they predict 3,000 people will take part, with the same number of supporters expected.

Among those who have confirmed their attendance are Dervock Young Defenders whose bus was torched in a sectarian attack earlier this year.

They also hit the headlines when they were banned from parading through the village of Rasharkin recently.

In a statement, Protestants Against Injustice, said the demonstration was planned “to register our frustration, anger and opposition to the undemocratic Parades Commission and the general infringement of civil and human rights being experienced by the Protestant/unionist/loyalist community”.

They added: “Parades have been rerouted, banned and interfered with at the whim of Sinn Fein politicians who now quite openly brag that they are getting what they want from the Parades Commission... Never before has a parade/rally been held to oppose the Parades Commission and demand both our civil and human rights be protected. We would like this to be the first of many across the country.”