Thousands of protesters at RAF Fairford make a plea for peace as the war in Iraq intensifies

The stars were out in force at Fairford's mass anti-war protest at the weekend which saw six arrests for minor offences.

Some 3,000 people, several thousand less than expected, took part in the march to the RAF base, where American B-52s have set off on bombing sorties on Iraq.

Among the personalities were Radiohead singer Thom Yorke, author and TV regular Will Self, comedian Mark Thomas, author George Monbiot and veteran peace activist Pat Arrowsmith, who all denounced war.

Mr Thomas said: "This probably represents the lowest point in the peace movement. Unless you say this war is not happening in your name, it is. So get out there and protest."

Organisers blamed the unspectacular turnout on the 1,000 police officers some on horseback stopping coaches entering the village.

Besides closing 11 roads, there were reports of coaches being stopped and searched under the 2000 Terrorism Act.

Although a few thwarted passengers managed to hitchhike, the Swindon Stop the War Coalition protest group were left stranded three miles away in Castle Eaton.

Andy Newman, secretary of Swindon Stop the War Coalition, said: "The operation was ridiculously over-policed and became a case of stop the protesters. The police prevented people from making a peaceful point and protected the base where crimes against humanity and international law are being perpetrated."

Those who did manage to attend came from all walks of life and joined the pilgrimage to what peace activists called the 'belly of the beast'.

With a growing peace camp outside, it was also described as a future Greenham Common.

Holding a flower shaped placard bearing the word Peace, Jack Bosley, 70, from Uffington, experienced his first protest.

He said: "I feel totally betrayed and have lost faith in politics. Innocent women and children are being killed."

'Flowers not bombs', 'War not in our name', 'Push off Bush' and 'Don't attack Iraq' were some of the other banner slogans on parade.

Groups from across the country, including Carmarthen Against the War, Grandmothers Against War, Bath Stop the War Coalition, Faringdon Peace Group and Marlborough Peace Group rallied to the cause.

Shops on the route were advised to close while the throng walked in silence or softly sang for peace. There was even a live jazz band to raise war-trodden spirits.

As protesters shared sandwiches and tea, police distributed leaflets detailing the Public Order Act.

Taken with the carnival atmosphere, one teenage girl enthused on her mobile: "I've had a wonderful day."

But Isabel Swift, 22, from Worcester, had a sterner message. Armed with a microphone, she chanted: "George Bush terrorist. Tony Blair terrorist."

More outspoken marchers could not resist yelling: "Yanks go home" as they neared the base. Blank-faced Americans stared at the procession from behind coils of barbed wire.

Formal speeches were delivered at the main gate but were drowned out by a low flying army helicopter.