SEVENTY farmers staged a peaceful protest outside a dairy processing plant near Droitwich Spa last Thursday over the price of milk.

It was the second demonstration to have taken place at Wiseman's Dairies, in Hampton Lovett, during recent weeks.

The protest, organised by Farmers for Action, was one of a number across the country.

Bromsgrove-based dairy farmer Michael Oaks, Worcestershire's NFU chairman, said he and his colleagues were being forced to sell their milk at a loss.

"We're getting in the region of 12p to 15p a litre at the moment and can't produce it for that," said the 37 year-old.

"Milk is being sold in the supermarket for around 49p a litre.

"Wiseman's and Dairy Crest are some of the major buyers of milk.

"We wouldn't mind them selling it at 49p if we got a fairer share of it," he added.

Mr Oaks, of Beacon Lane, Bromsgrove, said farmers need 22p a litre to break even.

Police were tipped off about the demonstration which started at 9.45pm and went on until the early hours.

"It was very peaceful," said Kim Stain, spokeswoman for Worcester police.

"The farmers are usually pretty good - there's no havoc there.

"They didn't turn up on spec, and it was very well organised."

No one from Wisemans Diaries was available for comment.