A demonstration against war in Iraq is being held in Winchester.

The Peace Walk on Saturday, February 22nd, will start from the United Church in Jewry Street at 2.30pm and finish at the war memorial in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral.

Mark Oaten, MP for Winchester, and the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Revd Michael Scott-Joynt, will both take part in the protest.

The bishop will lead a short vigil for protesters at the end of the walk.

The event was organised by Gill Chalabi, who has been married to her Iraqi husband, Zuhair, for 26 years.

She said: "The Peace Walk is for anyone who feels they cannot support this war. It is a way of expressing ourselves. A lot of people feel helpless."

Mr Oaten added: " We are marching to urge the Government to work with the United Nations and give the weapons inspectors more time before rushing into war."

The Bishop of Winchester said: "I am very glad to be taking part in this walk that has been organised in Winchester, both by people from the churches and by people from Islamic groups and others. I have personally been expressing profound anxiety for many months, as have all my colleagues. I feel that the situation should be resolved by rigorous diplomatic means."