HUNDREDS of Wiltshire peace protesters have taken part in demonstrations against the war in Iraq.

Members of anti war coalition groups and schoolchildren were just some of the people voicing their concerns about the conflict.

Protesters have been incensed by the bombing tactics used by British and American troops and have been parading banners with anti war slogans.

More than 20 sixth form pupils from Hardenhuish Secondary School in Chippenham skipped lessons when they gathered in the town centre on Thursday morning.

Students from Wiltshire College and Sheldon Secondary School, Chippenham joined them during the march which ended with a rally at the Bridge Centre.

Territorial army soldier Tony Oram, 21, of Wood Lane, Chippen-ham, was among the protesters and is on standby for service in the Middle East.

He said: "I believe there is a peaceful solution. We don't want World War Three."

Mr Oram's dad is a serving officer at Sandhurst but despite his military links the 21-year-old will keep protesting.

Colin Smith, headteacher at Hardenhuish School will not be taking any action against the students. He said: "Clearly I cannot condone the students for leaving their lessons and going out of school. They all returned later that morning, but we have informed parents."

More than 150 children from St Laurence School, Bradford on Avon, walked out last Tuesday lunchtime and gathered in the town centre's Pleasure Grounds Park.

Organisers of the Anti War Coalition claimed a million people joined the peace rally in London's Hyde Park on Saturday, but police estimated the figure at nearer 100,000.

Anneke Volkers, 22, of Dilton Marsh, wore her dad's army uniform during the peace march in the capital last month and joined 20 others for a protest at a Devonshire roundabout on Satur-day.

She said: "I'm still furious and will keep on protesting until there is peace."

More peace vigils, church services and demonstrations have been organised countywide and local branches of the Stop the War Coalition have vowed to continue pressing for a peaceful conclusion.