Angry residents who are desperate to stop Heathrow expansion are set to take part in special training classes to learn militant techniques, including climbing walls and chaining themselves to fences.

Protesters have begun plans to disrupt the contentious project if the Government gives it the go-ahead later this year, with the training weekends due to begin in September.

A wide range of opponents, including residents and activists, decided at a climate camp conference on Saturday that they were prepared to take direct action if it was needed.

The conference in Harlington was attended by 120 people and organised by the Camp for Climate Action in association with campaign groups Hacan, NoTrag (No Third Runway Action Group) and Greenpeace.

Chairman of Hacan John Stewart said it planned to draft in campaign experts Seeds for Change to teach protesters non-violent techniques along with legal issues.

He said: "First of all they will learn what is direct, non-violent action, and if we take part in it then what are your legal rights when you start breaking the law and how to deal with police in a non-violent way.

"Also there will be actual practical training about how to climb over fences and chain yourself on to whatever you are going to chain yourself on to. It could be exciting stuff."

He added that the conference sent a clear message that protesters were "utterly determined" to stop a third runway being built.

He said: "It was interesting to see just how angry local people actually are and how determined they are to stop this.

"I thought that talk of direct action would largely come from younger people at the climate camp but it came from everybody.

"I think what came out of it was the fact the coalition is cementing local people along with organisations all coming together."

The direct action will form part of an autumn offensive by campaigners which will include further marches, demonstrations and flash mobs as well as lobbying MPs and Government departments.

They will highlight the effect airport expansion will have on people's health and challenge the argument that it is required for economic reasons.