CAMPAIGNERS are calling for an Oxfordshire diplomat embroiled in the Arms to Africa affair to be knighted.

Civil rights groups in Sierra Leone plan to march through the streets on Saturday in support of Britain's High Commissioner to the country, Peter Penfold, who lives at Fisherman's Wharf, Abingdon.

Mr Penfold is being hailed as a hero for his alleged part in helping to supply arms to Nigerian troops to oust Sierra Leone's hated military junta last February.

Zainab Bangura, a leading pro-democracy camapigner in the country, said: "Peter is a household name here, the people's hero. We feel that man should be knighted for what he had done for Sierra Leone."

She said thousands would turn out for the pro-Penfold march, for which large banners were being made.

Before the affair, Mr Penfold's name was barely known but over the last few days his fame has grown in the African country. Earlier this week Mr Penfold, 53, was accused of conniving to send weapons to the African country.

But hours later the Government did a U-turn and heaped praise on the diplomat.

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