A new breed of 'grey haired, middle-aged' protesters are gearing up to cause chaos at Heathrow - after being trained at militant camps.

At least 100 people  - some from Hounslow Borough - are expected to attend the training camps in September, where they will learn about everything from scaling fences to chaining themselves to doors.

Activists say they are prepared to be arrested in a series of non-violent demonstrations, possibly including a mass invasion of Heathrow's runways, after being driven to extreme measures by the Government's apparent determination to push ahead with plans for expansion.

John Stewart, chairman of campaign group HACAN, said: "There are at least 100 people who are angry enough to investigate what direct action involves.

"We've held similar camps before, attended by a handful of hardcore protesters, but I was surprised on Saturday by how many of your typical grey haired, middle-aged ladies are prepared to get involved."

Sue (not her real name), enjoying her retirement in Richmond, is typical of the growing band of middle-aged protesters driven to direct action, having already had several brushes with the law after nearly being arrested during one protest against BA 'fat cats' at London Bridge.

"I've always been a law-abiding citizen but I can only justify that if the Government's looking after our best interests, which clearly isn't the case," she said.

"These camps give you real confidence and make you much more aware of your legal rights - some of the things I'd contemplate doing now wouldn't have entered my wildest dreams three or four years ago."

Flashmobbers descended on T5 in March in a bid to disrupt the opening, though it turned out BA was doing a pretty good job itself, while last August's Climate Camp ended with protesters blockading BAA's HQ in Bath Road.