Fuel protesters take to the roads of Sunderland

About 30 vehicles took part in the Sunderland protest

Driving instructors and taxi drivers in Sunderland have taken part in a protest over rising fuel costs.

About 30 vehicles took part in the demonstration, which saw vehicles slowly travel through the city centre.

The convoy was organised by the Sunderland Association of Driving Instructors, which urged the government to scrap a fuel duty hike in April.

Spokesman Paul Jasper said rising fuel coasts were threatening the livelihoods of small businesses.

He said: "We need the government to rethink the increase in fuel duty which is going to come in in April.

"This could see another 4p on a litre of unleaded petrol and we could soon see £1.40 a litre.

"We need to do something to get ourselves noticed and get the message across that this is threatening the livelihoods of a lot of people."