Up to 200 peace protesters took to the streets for a march and demonstration which was marshalled by more than 100 uniformed police officers.

The anti-war group Smash EDO staged another rally on Saturday, gathering at Brightons Churchill Square for a protest at noon before marching along Queens Road, down North Road and to The Level.

But the protest, on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, failed to cause major disruption to traffic or shoppers and ended without any arrests.

They were demonstrating against Moulsecoomb factory EDO MBM Technology which makes bomb-release components for fighter jets.

Activists said they were also protecting their democratic right to protest, claiming Sussex Police had overreacted when four demonstrators were arrested at a similar march held in August.

Police had accused organisers of not cooperating with them to ensure public safety by informing them in advance of the route they planned to take.

But the march was allowed to go ahead after Smash EDO organisers published their plans in a letter to The Argus.

Protest leaders were served notices under the Public Order Act warning them to keep to the agreed route or face arrest.

About 100 uniformed police officers, including spotters with video cameras, and the Sussex Police helicopter were used to marshall the protest.

Churchill Square security staff and police moved protesters away from the entrance of the shopping mall as the rally began to ensure access for customers.

Smash EDO spokesman Chris Osmond said: "We are here to demonstrate against the arms trade and to uphold the freedom to protest in this country.

"The campaign in this city against EDO MBM has been at the sharp end of the erosion of civil liberties in this country.

"In March, EDO MBM with the full assistance of Sussex Police filed for an injunction to restrict demonstrations outside their premises.

"They wanted to create an exclusion zone around their factory and wanted to make it punishable by five years in prison for anyone who wanted to go there to protest.

"Many people, including myself, have been fighting this in the High Court and they have not got what they wanted.

"We can still go and demonstrate there as much as we want and make as much noise as we want."

Jacqueline and Steve Osborne, from Hailsham, were caught up in the rally as they visited Churchill Square to do some Christmas shopping.

Mr Osborne said: "We were not aware this was happening but it has not stopped us from enjoying our day here."

Churchill Square manager Derek Maddison said the demonstration had not caused as much disruption as expected.

He said: "With people crowding around the entrance, it was important we maintained easy access for all those who wanted to do their Christmas shopping.

"For that reason, our security staff asked the demonstrators to move away from the main entrance.

"With the help of the police, that was achieved and they moved towards Western Road to hold their rally.

"It did not have the impact on our customers that was predicted but with people intent on doing their Christmas shopping, it always had the potential for disruption."

Police estimated about 150 people took part in the protest but would not confirm how many officers were used to marshall it.

Superintendent Kevin Moore said: "Despite the efforts of local police, no organisers for the event came forward to discuss their intentions on the day.

"They did, however, reveal in a letter to The Argus that they proposed to march through the city and for the first time stated the route they were going to take.

"This meant I was able to deploy my officers accordingly to allow the march to make its way through the city while ensuring the safety of thousands of shoppers and keeping disruption to a minimum.

"This was one of the busiest weekends in Brighton and I am pleased with how the event transpired. I now hope the organisers will see how well today has gone and keep us informed of future events."