TWO HUNDRED Southampton teenagers took the day off school and college for a city centre protest against the impending war on Iraq yesterday.

They were undeterred by the wet weather and determined to make their voices heard as they congregated outside the WestQuay shopping centre and marched to the civic centre.

Shoppers and workers in Above Bar couldn't miss the youngsters shouting noisy anti-war chants as they struggled to dodge the rain.

On arrival at the city's council offices the teenagers' request for a meeting with councillors was politely declined.

The protest passed off without incident and was organised by local members of the International Socialist Resistance (ISR), an anti-capitalist youth group that believes there is no

justification for war.

One of the most proactive members was Luke Brooks, 14, from Cantell School in Bassett. The youngster said: "I handed out leaflets at school and in town today. We held meetings at lunchtime and there was a lot of interest."

Sam Greasley, 16, from Itchen College, said: "Today shows how the 'apathetic' young do get involved in politics and current affairs."

Many of the protesters were under 16 and should have been at school. A Southampton City Council spokeswoman said: "Any children that left their school will be taking unauthorised absence and the school will take that up with the individual parents."

Cantell student Grace Le Feuvre, 13, said: "The school hasn't said what our punishment will be but it will be for a good cause because we're fighting against the war."

Labour Cllr Perry McMillan, recently deselected by his party for his outspoken views, said: "I'm down here to show solidarity with the young people here today.

"It is significant when young people are prepared to take to the streets. They are normally very non-political and this is something that politicians have to take serious notice of."