A group of campaigners gained access to the coal-fired plant in Ratcliffe-on-Soar on 10 April, 2007.

The Eastside Climate Action group said it was protesting against the facility in the face of climate change.

Eight men and three women have denied charges of aggravated trespass. The trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court is expected to last three days.

Cutting carbon dioxide

The court heard how some of the protestors stood on conveyor belts in the power station and chained themselves to railings.

It was part of a bid to ensure the coal plant would be closed down and stocks not replenished, it was alleged.

The plant had been closed over the Easter holidays so had enough fuel to continue generating electricity through the five-hour demonstration.

The demonstrators have accepted they were trespassing on the day of the demonstration but said they felt compelled to try to close the power station and cut carbon dioxide emissions.

The 11 charged are: Eleanor Fairbrother, 29, of Foxhall Road, Forest Fields; Ian Parker, 24, of Villiers Road, West Bridgford; Peter Nelson, 25, of Cedar Road, Nottingham; Tim Gallagher, 25, of Premier Road, Forest Fields and Emma Robinson, 27, of Spottiswoode Road, Edinburgh.

Also Garry Glass, 23, of Arden Street, Edinburgh; Andrew Cook, 49, of Wood Green, Long Stratton, Norwich; Stuart Barnes, 30, Timothy Allman, 38, Samantha Brown, 33, and Andrew Woodcock, 31, all of Albany Road, Nottingham.

The trial continues.