Animal rights activists opposing a proposed drug-testing laboratory held a demonstration outside the University of Leicester.

More than a dozen demonstrators, some in rabbit costumes, waved placards and chanted slogans outside the university's centre for medical research, in Lancaster Road.

They are angry at plans to build a £15m medical research lab, which will be used for testing drugs on animals.

Activist Holly Grundy, 25, who organised the protest, said: "Cruelty will be inflicted on defenseless animals."

University registrar David Hall met the protestors.

He said: "We acknowledge the right of people to protest."

Planning permission for the site was given by Leicester City Council last month and it should be open next year.