Remain campaigners travelled from the South Hams and across the county to join the 2,500 strong march in Exeter.

Among them was the secretary for Devon for Europe and Kingsbridge resident Peter Sturgess who marched for the grassroots, apolitical Devon-wide organisation, affiliated with Britain for Europe.

Organised by local organisation, Devon for Europe, the march on Saturday, March 24, attracted supporters from Cornwall to Bristol, from Cheltenham to Bournemouth and 500 new supporters to join the organisation.

The marchers waved their EU flags and Stop Brexit and Final Say placards along Exeter’s streets from Belmont Park to the rally venue, Princesshay. At this central point, the campaigners stopped to hear speeches from MPs, MEPs and many others.

County councillors attended to voice their concerns, including Green party councillor Jacqi Hodgson who represents the Totnes and Dartington area.

The speeches from MPs and MEPs including Ben Bradshaw, the Labour MP for Exeter were interspersed with speakers from local youth, university and farming groups.

Molly Scott Cato, a Green party MEP for the South West said: “We must resist; leaving the EU is not a done deal.”

Fellow South West MEP, Julie Girling who sits as an Independent, said she wanted to stay in the EU because it would be better for Britain and said many Conservative MPs agreed with her.

After which, South West Labour MEP, Clare Moody said: “Today is an opportunity for us to stand together and remember our great tradition of being an open and welcoming country.”

Many other prominent figures within the movement voiced their opinions including Tim Skeet from Britain for Europe, Martin Shaw an Independent county councillor and Alex Pilkington, the Chair of Devon for Europe.