SCORES of Bolton peace protesters have snapped up tickets to join a mass march to protest against the impending war in Iraq.

Opponents of the war are being urged to converge on London next month in a bid to show Prime Minister Tony Blair the strength of feeling against a military campaign.

Organisers claim the last peace march in September attracted around 350,000 supporters.

And with the threat of war gaining momentum they predict the figures will be even higher this time.

The march co-ordinates with similar events around the globe in cities including New York, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Athens, Manila and Cairo.

One coachload of tickets, around 50, has already sold out in the town and Malcolm Pittock, secretary of Bolton Stop The War Coalition/CND, is expecting more interest as the date of the march approaches.

He said: "This is a real chance for people to have a voice.

"This could be bigger than anything central London has ever seen and it could just persuade the Government to think again." Coaches will leave from the Sweet Green Tavern pub on Crook Street near Bolton train station at around 7am on Saturday, February 15.

Tickets cost £20 (solidarity), £15 (waged) or £10 (unwaged). Contact Paul on 0780 8063757 or Malcolm on 01204 522839 for further details or e-mail stw@bolton.t.c.

Cheques should be made payable to Bolton CND and sent to Malcolm Pittock, 3 St James Avenue, Breightmet, Bolton, BL2 4NB.

Representatives of the town's communities will attend a peace meeting at Bolton Central Library tonight.

Bolton North East MP David Crausby, Bishop of Bolton The Right Rev David Gillett, and members of the Hindu Forum and Council of Mosques will be speaking at the event, arranged by Bolton Interfaith Council and chaired by broadcaster Mike Shaft.

The meeting is intended as an opportunity for all sections of the community to reafirm the unity of all sections of the town's community and address concerns that the likely war with Iraq could damage relations between groups. Admission is free.

A peace vigil open to all will also be held in Bank Street Chapel at 11am tomorrow.