ANTI-war protestors armed with placards took to Worcester's city centre at rush hour to show their opposition to the conflict with Iraq.

More than 200 people of all ages gathered at Elgar's statue at around 6pm yesterday on the day that war against Iraq began.

Banners protesting "Not in my Name - Don't Attack Iraq" and "No War For Oil, Stop The War Machine" were held up beneath the fading evening light.

Phrases such as "Bush Blair CIA, How Many Kids Have You Killed Today," were chanted by a determined crowd.

Their protest came as thousands across the country protested following the first day of military action in the Middle East.

Around half a dozen students had been sitting by the statue waiting for the protest to begin since midday.

Marie Yates, the former chairman of Amnesty International's Worcester branch, said she felt very sad when she heard an attack had been launched.

"Human rights should be respected in Iraq," said the 49- year-old from St John's.

"I wish there was another way."

Muslim Sohail Farraz, from Worcester, said he believed greed was the reason for the conflict.

"I think this is to do with oil," said the 23-year-old student at Worcester College of Technology.

Fran Troth, aged 53, came out to protest with her 11-year-old son Andy and her husband Peter.

"I hate it when wars happen and I hoped this one wouldn't," said Andy, from Ombersley.

The Rev John Johansen- Berg of the United Reformed Church, in Albany Terrace, Worcester, said hearing the Iraq sirens on the news brought back personal memories of the Second World War.

"No-one who lived though that would wish for anyone else to experience it," said the 67-year-old, from St Peter's.

Rose Weston, from Worcester, said she had voted for Mr Blair because she thought Labour would sort out the country.

"I'm angry about the hypocrisy of this war," said the 54-year-old.

"No-one is doing anything about North Korea, Palestine or Israel."