Protesters from Worcestershire joined thousands of other people on an angry anti-war march at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire.

Around 50 people from the county joined approximately 2,000 demonstrators on Saturday as they marched to the gates of the base, which is home to American bombers used in the war on Iraq.

To ensure it was a peaceful demonstration more than 1,000 police officers were called in from forces around the country.

There was one ugly scene when marchers spotted around a dozen US air force personnel outside their barracks, and began chanting "baby killers" and "go home". Some even spat at the fence surrounding the base.

Despite this the demonstrators were well-behaved and marched to the sounds of drums, horns and music from a large, green rickshaw-like jukebox.

Protesters admitted that it was unlikely they will now stop the war, but continue to protest to show their opposition.

"We protest in hope of influencing future action," said 72-year-old Edith Barnes from Battenhall, "It maybe a vain hope but what more can we do?"

Her husband Doug, aged 80, a retired engineering lecturer, said differences between nations should be sorted out through reasoned argument rather than force, and sanctions should be abolished.

"We have imposed sanctions on Iraq," said Mr Barnes, "If Iraqi people were allowed a more liberal existence and were less dependent on outside aid it is possible that inside forces could have got rid of Saddam."

RAF Fairford houses 14 B52 bombers, which carry cruise missiles, however, Dr David Simon-Jones, aged 47, from Droitwich, claimed these weapons had nuclear war heads and should not be used.

"Cruise missiles are not semi-nuclear missiles," said Dr Barnes, a doctor of environmental studies, "There is no such thing as a semi-nuclear weapon - the Iraqi people are facing a nuclear death."

Sahil Farraz, a 23-year-old mature student, from Wyld's Lane, Worcester, said America expected everyone to mourn for the people who died on September 11 because they were innocent, but asked why they did not feel any differently for the innocent Iraqi people.

"America is no different to the terrorists on board the planes on September 11," said Mr Farraz.