MORE than 100 anti-war protesters took to the steps of the Bolton Town Hall to demonstrate against the Iraq conflict.

People of all ages and religions gathered in Victoria Square to deliver their message, waving banners and chanting slogans.

Among them was Rev Bob Horrocks, aged 46, from St Paul with Emmanuel Church, in Deane. He tore up his Labour Party membership card.

He said: "I have always believed that the best way of trying to change something is from within an organisation.

"But this is too much. War against Iraq goes over the head of the United Nations."

Representatives of UNISON and the Quakers turned up in protest. Others represented themselves.

Barry Greene, aged 52, from Harwood, said: "I feel that Blair and Bush have been warmongering all along and that our Prime Minister's mentality needs questioning."

There were, however, people who felt the war was just.

A 46-year-old man, who works in Bolton, and was walking past at the time of the demonstration, said: "These protesters want peace at any price but I just do not agree with that.

"I think thousands more would die if we stood back and did nothing."