One of Bermuda's most famous characters has joined a "virtual march" to protest the proposed building of a new hospital on the Botanical Gardens.

Johnny Barnes donned green trousers, green t-shirt and a shirt featuring flowering plants to take part in the "Green Day" when supporters seeking to protect the Gardens were asked to wear an item of green clothing.

Mr. Barnes displayed a Save The Gardens sign as he took up his usual early morning position at the Crow Lane roundabout to greet commuters.

His picture has since been added to an internet virtual march showing people holding placards who are opposed to the idea of building a replacement to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital at the Botanical Gardens.

Other well-known names to have joined the cyberspace protest march include environmentalist David Wingate, businessman Charles Gosling and Bermuda's international recording star Heather Nova, while scores of residents and school students have also put their pictures up on the website.

During last Friday's "Green Day" Mr. Barnes was joined by a number of Botanical Gardens' supporters including Lisa Vickers and environmentalist Stuart Hayward. And across the Island there was clear evidence of widespread support judging by the scores of people wearing items of green attire.

Lisa Vickers, who runs the www.savethegardens.com website, said: "I was thrilled to see so many people wearing all different shades of green.

"It was quite clear that race makes absolutely no difference to how most people feel about the Botanical Gardens."

Petitions to oppose any building on the Gardens have now reached the 3,000 mark, with more than 2,000 people signing the online version of the petition and a further 1,000 putting their names to various paper petitions now being circulated.

The paper petitions can be signed at a number of locations around the Island including the Phoenix stores, Lemon tree Cafe, Rock Island Coffee Shop, the Zoo and Aquarium and Brighton Nurseries.

Campaigners will be holding a celebration event in the Gardens on November 19 with a festival or entertainment and activities.