PEACE protesters are set to swamp a North Yorkshire spy base tomorrow in a direct-action protest to mark the first anniversary of the war on Iraq.

Hundreds of demonstrators are expected to block the four main entrances to the Menwith Hill US military base, near Harrogate.

The event has been organised by Yorkshire CND, and is supported by anti-nuclear weapons group Trident Ploughshares and the Campaign for Accountability of American Bases (CAAB).

Yorkshire CND spokesman Neil Kingsnorth said: "Protesters hope to both disrupt the base's activity, which CND claims is illegal, and highlight its role to the wider public.

"Although no planes ever take off from the Menwith Hill air force base, it is absolutely key to US war-fighting. The base is used for advance battle planning, finding targets to hit and monitoring battles as they take place. The base even won an award for its role in the first Gulf war. Without Menwith Hill, modern war-fighting would be very, very different."

The direct action is expected to take place between 7am and noon tomorrow. Demonstrators are planning to turn up in eye-catching and brightly coloured costumes, including Leeds-based the Peaceniks who will be dressed as Menwith Hill "golf balls".

Another group from Calderdale plans to come as a "giant golf-ball shaped cheesecake".

As well as direct action, the event includes music, entertainment, a drumming workshop, speeches and food.

For more details phone Yorkshire CND on 01274 730795 or log on to www.blockthebase.org.uk

Updated: 11:26 Thursday, March 18, 2004