The postponed delivery of the first of two French warships to Russia has prompted opposing demonstrations.

The French government announced the delay of the sale of the Mistral on the day before the NATO summit, over concerns about Russian policy towards Ukraine.

Protesters gathered at the shipyard where the vessel was built at Saint Nazaire on the west coast.

Those in favour of delivery say they are concerned for the economic future of the port.

But others likened the delivery to handing a weapon to an assassin.

Despite the agreement on a ceasefire President Hollande has said the conditions for France to deliver the warship are not yet in place.

But the government has been careful not to entirely rule out the possibility of the sale going ahead in the future.