ANIMAL rights protesters were demonstrating outside the Oxford University Encaenia honorary degree ceremony today.

Six people, including author Philip Pullman, are receiving degrees from the university as part of its annual honorary scheme.

Encaenia ceremonies have previously attracted protests from animal rights campaigners angry at the building of a laboratory in South Parks Road.

They chanted throughout the ceremony: “Shame on Oxford University.”

They also held banners and handed out flyers with graphic images.

Protester Emma Speed, 41, said: “We have to take every opportunity to spread our message.”