HUNDREDS of anti-war protesters are expected to gather in Bolton to voice opposition to the air strikes in Afghanistan.

Organisers predict that up to 500 people will attend the demonstration in Victoria Square on Saturday, November 10.

It is being organised by Bolton Stop the War Coalition which is supported by Bolton Unison, the Trades Council, Quakers, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Socialist Alliance.

During the rally, there will be several speeches from local trade union leaders and CND representatives.

Chairman of the coalition Neil McAlister said: "We hope as many people from as many sections of the community as possible will turn up.

"The rally is aimed at giving people the chance to have their say about what is going on in Afghanistan.

"We also want a public debate with the town's three Labour MPs about the war.

"Like everyone else, we were completely shocked and horrified by the attacks on the World Trade Centre but we don't think America is going about it the right way.

"America should have pressed to get Bin Laden extradited first rather than making threats straight away.

"Our main concern is the ordinary people of Afghanistan. They are some of the poorest in the world and are being bombed by some of the richest in the world.

"The majority of aid charities say they can't get the relief effort through to the people until the bombing stops.

"Any terrorist attacks is outrageous but it is wrong to say the world is now a safer place."

Members of the public will have the chance to sign a national CND petition against the war during the rally.

Police have been informed about the protest rally.