Abingdon Peace Group is holding a weekly vigil at the town's War Memorial to protest against the threat of war against Iraq.

It held regular vigils during the war in Afghanistan last year and on Hiroshima Day earlier this month against the use of nuclear weapons.

Group spokesman the Rev David Platt, assistant curate at St Andrew's Church, East Hagbourne, and former co-chairman of Christian CND, said: "Surely no-one would wish British or US servicemen and women to risk their lives in a new Gulf War scenario.

"An alternative way can and must be found to control dictators and the threat of terrorism."

The vigil at the war memorial -- from 8.15am to 8.45am every Tuesday -- will continue until the threat of war against Iraq is over.

Mr Platt said: "Everyone willing to share this silent witness is welcome to join us."