A PROTEST is set to be staged today against US president-elect Donald Trump and Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans’ support of some of his policies.

The Bridges Not Walls UK campaign is putting up banners on bridges across the country to send a message across the Atlantic, on the day of Mr Trump’s inauguration.

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The ‘Lancashire Against Hate’ event will be taking place at Clitheroe Castle, organised by the ‘Making Plans For Nigel’ Facebook group.

Its members are concerned at the actions of Mr Evans, who endorsed some of Mr Trump’s policies after his election victory in November.

The protest will start at 11.30am at the castle gates.

Mr Evans travelled to Washington DC yesterday after being invited to watch the inauguration of the 45th president by a friend.

Group spokesman Nick Burton said: “Despite two-thirds of Ribble Valley constituents not voting for him at the 2015 general election, our MP seems to have taken it upon himself to welcome Donald Trump on our behalf.

“He has not only invited President Trump to the Ribble Valley, he also sent out a rather tasteless Christmas card displaying a photo of him meeting Trump on holiday.

“I would urge anyone who is concerned with the lurch towards popular right-wing extremism to come to Clitheroe and make a stand.

“Mr Trump will never be welcome in Lancashire and it is time that our elected representatives look long and hard at how they have failed local communities.”

Mr Evans, who had lunch with Mr Trump in 2012, has said that he supports his stance on Brexit and free trade but can’t condone Trump’s more controversial views including things he has said about women and disabled people.

Mr Evans said: “I was invited to go by a friend of mine over in the States.

“I was offered an official ticket but I did not want to accept it as you had to be there from 9am and it would have been freezing.

“Instead I will be watching the inauguration from a building that overlooks the Capitol.

“As vice-chairman of the House of Commons international trade committee I will be hoping to meet with as many congressmen and senators as I can to talk about a UK-USA trade deal.

“I don’t think I will be able to meet Donald Trump but if I do I will press the case for his continued support of Brexit and a new trade deal with us.”