On the day George Bush defended his invasion of Iraq, anti-war protesters gathered in Swindon. The Swindon Stop The War Coalition met at the war memorial in Regent Circus yesterday to say 'stop' to Mr Bush.

Coalition secretary Andy New-man impersonated Mr Bush, who addressed Whitehall as part of his visit to Britain.

He said: "Someone was disappointed because they thought the real George Bush was coming. But the protest went well and we were well received."

Around 25 people attended the protest, which involved singing and poetry readings. And six police officers patrolled the area, but no arrests were made.

Mr Newman said: "There was a lively, fun atmosphere. Although we have a serious message, there was lots of street entertainment."

Allan Thipthorpe, 77, from Toot-hill, objects to Mr Bush's presence in Britain.

He said: "I am a Palestine veteran and think the war in the Middle East was immoral and illegal. I am not anti-American, but Bush shouldn't be here."

Kath Saunders, 54, travelled from Devizes to support the protest.

She said: "It is time we started building peace. I am against George Bush's policies.

"He is a warmonger and intervention in Iraq has not solved anything."

Today members of the coalition will travel to London for a national demonstration.

They will be back in Swindon at 6pm, to topple a statue of Mr Bush outside Debenhams in The Parade.

Scotland Yard has confirmed it has drafted in an extra 9,000 officers into the capital, more than double the usual police presence, while Mr Bush is in town.

vtagg@newswilts.co.uk