Hundreds of photographers gathered outside New Scotland Yard today to exercise their right to take pictures in public.

The gathering of over 300 snappers coincided with the launch of the Counter Terrorism Act 2008 which became law today.

As reported on HoldtheFrontPage last week, some photographers fear the Act could increase police powers to stop them taking photos in public places and even lead to arrest.

Among those at the event were comedian Mark Thomas and London-based freelancer Jess Hurd. She said: "I think we have really stood up for journalism today.

"I've been stopped and detained under the old counter terrorism laws and this takes things even further."

Marc Vallée, another freelance photographer who helped organise the event, added: "This turnout shows that if a press photographer is arrested under the new law it will be a big news story. Hopefully that will make the police think carefully."

NUJ vice-president Peter Murray said: "There is a threat of photographers being criminalised just for doing their jobs.

"Life is already hard enough for them. Photography budgets are being cut and so-called citizen journalists are being used instead of professionals.

"This is a further unnecessary threat to their livelihoods."