AS fear of a war with Iraq grows, Manchester Cathedral will be open each day from 8am to 5pm for everyone who wants to pray for peace and justice or sit with their thoughts and light a candle for peace.

From Saturday, March 1 until Saturday, March 8, prayers will be focused for a few moments each lunchtime at 1.10pm. The Bishop of Manchester, Nigel McCulloch, will lead on the first day.

The Dean of Manchester, Ken Riley, said: "These are difficult days and we simply want to make the cathedral available to everyone who wants peace and quiet to pray. In such confusing times, our prayers are sometimes difficult to put into words."

People of all faiths or non-denominational are welcome.