PUBLIC services will come to a standstill tomorrow as a union backs a day of anti-war protest.

Public workers' union Unison, which represents hundreds of City of York Council workers, is urging its members to observe a five-minute silence in memory of the 500,000 children the United Nations estimates to have died following its sanctions against Iraq.

Anti-conflict group York Against the War said the remembrance is due to start at 11am tomorrow, which it is planning to have as a day of protest against the threatened conflict.

The group is planning to display its message from the city walls by unfurling banners stating anti-conflict slogans at Fishergate Postern at 8am.

Protesters will gather outside Fulford barracks at 6pm, before marching into the city centre.

The group also hopes its supporters will take its message into workplaces and public places across York throughout the day.

Spokesman Frank Ormston said: "We feel that a military installation is a legitimate focus for protest, but we also want to highlight the fact that any conflict will result in casualties amongst UK troops.

"Mr Blair thinks this "blood price" is worth paying, but we don't."

A Unison spokesman said: "We hope our members will observe this silence to show respect to the innocent victims of America's continuing belligerence towards Iraq, and also to show their opposition to the plans to launch all-out war."

Unison convenor Peter Household said members would also be represented on the evening march.

Updated: 11:48 Wednesday, October 30, 2002