ANTI-WAR protesters from Swindon packed two coaches to join the Don't Attack Iraq demonstration in London's Hyde Park.

More than 100 people, including parents with children, religious leaders, members of socialist political groups and teenagers, waited outside Swindon College with placards in hand for their transport.

One of the group was 15-year-old Jacob Hirsch-Holland.

He explained his reasons for joining in with the protest: "I feel it is important that we should protest against plans for war.

"What is the point of killing each other? It is just stupid.

"There must be a better way to sort out problems. War is not the answer."

Fellow protester Zardad Khan, 63, said: "War is no good. We are all brothers and we should not be killing our brothers.

"I am here to protest against America and Britain's plans to go to war with Iraq. It will not solve anything."

Cath Dolling, 39, who was waiting with seven-year-old daughter Charlotte, said: "It is pay back time for George Bush.

"He wants to finish the job that his father started. But let's not kid ourselves that this impending war is about freeing the people of Iraq from oppression.

"It is about oil. Mr Bush has had the backing of the big oil companies and now they want him to get rid of Saddam.

"I believe that nothing should be done without the consent of the United Nations."

Ten trade unions, church leaders, Muslim groups, leading journalists and about 150 MPs are calling for the US and Britain not to attack Iraq.

The march in London wound along the embankment to convene at Hyde Park.

Marchers were waiting to hear speeches from a list of invited guests including veteran Labour MP Tony Benn, London mayor Ken Livingstone, journalist John Pilger, former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter and Dr Iqbal Sacrani of the Muslim Council of Britain.