FORMER hostage Terry Waite says British prisoners of war will be "scared for their lives".

In an interview with the Bolton Evening News, Mr Waite, who in 1987 was taken hostage for four years in Beirut by an Islamic group, bitterly condemned the war in Iraq.

He described the conflict as "regrettable", adding that sufficient effort was not being made to find a peaceful solution through the UN.

Mr Waite said he was already thinking about visiting Iraq after the war to help children who will have been traumatised by the bombing and fighting.

He is working in Kosovo, where he has helped to train women to counsel children through play to combat the after-effects of war.

"We have little children who are absolutely scared because of the bombing and the shootings and there' s nothing for children after a war," said Mr Waite.

"The Americans say they will re-build Iraq. They'll probably build roads and bridges, but it's people who get damaged in a war.

"We're thinking of going to Iraq after this conflict, but it's difficult because we have to get local people trained who speak the language and understand the culture."

He said of the British prisoners of war: "It will be very difficult for them. People in the military are often given training about if they are captured, but I believe a lot of these captured people are support people.

"They will be scared for their lives."

Mr Waite added: "I think it's very regrettable when a nation has to go to war, because that's an admission of failure. On one hand, you feel like you have to support the troops -- but we can support them without agreeing with going to war."

Mr Waite was in the area as president of homeless charity Emmaus and he collected a cheque for more than £50,000 from staff at Cormar Carpets in Greenmount, Bury.

"I don't believe every peaceful option was explored. The inspectors were turning up things, but weren't given the time to complete the job.

"Is every evil dictator in the world going to be taken on? A little less warfare and a little more understanding of the problems are needed."

All they can hope for is for this miserable business to finish quickly.