A VIGIL was held by Barnsley Stand Up To Racism to protest against Tory plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.

A number of residents came together outside the town hall on Monday evening to stand up for what they believe in.

George Arthur, secretary of Barnsley Trades Union Council, told the Chronicle: “Our trades council has been a long time supporter of Stand Up To Racism.

“Our vigil was organised to mark the opening of a court case to stop the inhumane plans to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda, a country which had over 12,000 people flee it to seek asylum in other countries last year.

“I was pleased that we had ten people come together at short notice and happy that one member of the public joined in with us.”

After the vigil, the protesters held a short meeting to plan an anti-racism conference in Barnsley in November.