Spanish shepherds are leading flocks of sheep through the streets of Madrid in defence of ancient grazing, migration and droving rights threatened by modern life.

Jesus Garzon, president of a shepherds council established in 1273, said about 5,000 sheep and 60 cattle are crossing the city today to exercise the right to droving routes that existed before Madrid grew from a rural hamlet to an urban capital.

Following an age-old tradition, a chief herdsman paid 25 maravedis - coins from the 11th century - to use the crossing, Mr Garzon said.

Shepherds have a right to use 78,000 miles of paths for seasonal livestock migrations from cool highland pastures in summer to warmer grazing in winter.