A group of artists have created a field of Wombles to show their support for May Day protestors.

The anonymous group have used hundreds of soft toys originally given out with McDonald's Happy Meals.

The piece called Auto-Destructive Art will be dismantled on May 1 and the toys given to anti-globalisation campaigners.

A spokesman for the artists says they've given the toys their freedom.

The artists' spokesman said: "McDonald's used the Wombles as a tool, and so shall we. McDonald's took the Womble characters and used them to sell their produce in order to boost their profits.

"We have liberated the Wombles, released them from their slavery, and shall be returning them to freedom"

McDonald's outlets have been targeted by vandals during previous anti-globalisation protests.

The field of Wombles is intended as a tribute to artist Antony Gormley, who created a field of 40,000 terra cotta figures.

The spokesman added: "We also want to show that anti-capitalist action is not just about bricks being thrown through shop windows. The authorities and the police have come down hard on anti-globalisation protest, but are they really going to arrest people for giving away Womble toys?"

A spokesman for McDonald's said: "We respect their right to demonstrate in whatever shape or form they want, providing it is legal and peaceful."