"Bootham Crescent, here to stay" - that was the rallying cry of more than 1,000 York City marchers who blazed a trail of red through the streets to support the threatened club.

In a massive show of defiance before Saturday's 1-1 draw with Torquay, an effigy of chairman Douglas Craig was paraded by fans along the route to chants of "Judas".

Police made three arrests after about 150 supporters gathered outside the boardroom lounge following the match to demand Mr Craig address them.

Coins were thrown at the window and a scuffle broke out between police officers and a man and his girlfriend when they refused to move on.

Another man was arrested when he ran on to the pitch during the match.

But Inspector Jim Breen, of York Police, praised the dignity and conduct of City supporters throughout the day.

"It's a pity it ended in a bit of a scuffle," he said.

Supporters had intially gathered at the Eye of York chanting City songs before heading off down Coney Street - completely filling the length of the popular shopping thoroughfare.

Tourists and shoppers stepped aside as the peaceful march snaked through the heart of York, with the rousing chants echoing through the streets.

Shopkeepers stood at the front of stores clapping the passing march and drinkers flooded outside pubs to cheer the crowd on.

By the time the procession ended at the Bootham Crescent ground the marchers had been joined by hundreds more loyal fans shouting "Judas" and "we love you City".

The march was guided through the town by a dozen police officers.

Greg Stone, a march organiser and life-long supporter of York City, praised fellow fans for a peaceful and successful march on the ground.

He said: "I'm thrilled with the turnout for the march. It has been a peaceful but enthusiastic expression of the fans commitment to the club.

"There is solidarity among all these fans - who are the true owners of the team. We just hope people sit up and listen."

Click here to view more images of the protest

Updated: 19:19 Saturday, January 12, 2002