WITH cries of "Don't attack, don't attack Iraq" and the sound of beating drums and placards calling for an immediate end to the war, about 40 anti-war campaigners gathered in the Cheese Market, Salisbury, last Thursday.

They had arranged to meet in front of the library on the day war was declared, to voice their opposition to what they believed was an unjust and unnecessary conflict.

Members of the Salisbury Stop the War Coalition and Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament waved banners declaring "No war on Iraq" and "Not in my name", as others, including pupils from St Edmund's Girls' School, joined in the protest.

At one stage, several people blocked the road, preventing traffic driving down Castle Street from turning into Blue Boar Row.

Romy Johnson, of the Salisbury Stop the War Coalition, said: "I am very sad this war has happened and I feel very sorry for the troops stationed out there.

"I want this war over as soon as possible. The Iraqis need to get rid of their despotic leader, but this is not the right way.

"What we need is for the UN to step in and take an active role."

The protesters may not agree with the course of action taken by Britain and the US, but they do believe Saddam Hussein needs to be removed.

They are also backing British troops based in the Gulf - especially the 500 or so soldiers from south Wiltshire.

The Rev Pat Clegg, of Harnham parish, said: "I don't believe there is any justification for this war and feel immeasurably sad for our troops.

"We must pray for them and support the families they have left behind."

Sue Wright, of the Green Party, said: "I have a lot of sympathy for the troops, particularly since they have been asked to do something that's illegal.

"I think it's very important to stress our opposition to this war - there is certainly a lot of it."

Anti-war campaigners have said they will meet every Thursday at 5pm in the Cheese Market until the war is over.