HUNDREDS of people are camping out in Hillingdon to protest against climate change and the expansion of Heathrow Airport.

A large field in Sipson Lane, Sipson, is this week full of marquees and tents where a new community for campaigners has been built for one week of protesting and educational activities - including a day of direct action.

Groups of police have also been camping outside the site and have been using stop and search powers to carry out routine checks on people entering the camp.

The protesters are organised into different villages from several parts of the country and each village has its own kitchen where everyone pulls together to make meals and cups of tea to keep them going.

On a daily basis there are a variety of workshops to discuss issues from aviation and climate change to the destruction of rainforests.

Most of the protesters are local residents or part of action groups such as HACAN and NoTRAG, who are against the expansion of Heathrow Airport - which will destroy many homes in the area.

Residents of Sipson have also set up their own tent on the camp where they are taking it in turns throughout the day and night to man the area.

Lesley Harrison, 60, of Sipson Road, said: "I am here to highlight the fact that we could possibly be forced out of our homes. I hope us being here will show BAA our determination and stop the runway from being built.

"We are peacefully protesting and the police are trying to scare us away. They have raided the camp this week and some of my friends had to leave because they were so scared."

But police said they had been confronted by demonstrators who tried to physically remove them from the site.

In a statement, the Met Police said: "Officers from the Forward Intelligence Team who were patroling the camp were confronted by demonstators who attempted to physically remove them from the site. Colleagues were called in to support them and maintain public order.

"The policing team was re-established on site shortly afterwards.

"The MPS has stated from the outset that we wish to facilitate lawful protest. Our police presence continues on site at the request of the land owner."

Christine Rainsford, 68, of Sipson Lane, said: "Them the demonstrators being here doesn't bother me. I support them fully. If they make a peaceful demonstration they are not doing anything wrong."

Protesters insist they will be carrying out peaceful demonstrations and will not attempt to cross the boundaries or harm any passengers - despite admitting an email was sent out encouraging protesters to bring smart clothes and "air hostess" uniforms to the camp.

Mark Bullock, managing director of BAA Heathrow, said: "I am extremely concerned by reports in the media that protesters are planning on disguising themselves as passengers in an attempt to gain access to terminals and disrupt the airport.

"As a consequence of these threats, I am calling on the Climate Camp organisers to guarantee that protesters will not take direct action that will disrupt passengers."

A member of the camp, Alfie Agius, from Liverpool, said: "The email was sent out to people telling them to bring smart clothes to the camp.

"It is just a visual thing to dress like pilots or an air hostess and we thought it would look striking if we were doing a carnival type march.

"But in no way is it a way of getting into Heathrow to cause harm to anybody."

The campers have insisted their day of direct action, which is due to take place on Sunday, August 19, will be a peaceful one.