YORK campaigners went on the march in London over the weekend to protest against proposed military action against Saddam Hussein.

Hundreds of people from the city joined an estimated 270,000 to oppose the threat of a war on Iraq by the U.S. and the UK.

Three coach-loads departed from the Railway Workers' War Memorial, in Station Road, to give George Bush and Tony Blair a simple message - No To War.

They demonstrated in what was described as Britain's biggest-ever anti-war rally, marching from Embankment to the Houses of Parliament, before listening to speakers, including London Mayor Ken Livingstone, in Hyde Park.

Frank Ormston, of York Against the War, said the huge turnout contributed to a "brilliant" day.

He said: "It was stupendous. "What I saw exceeded my wildest expectations. People were very determined to show their opposition to the war.

"People were angry about the potential conflict in Iraq. At least 200 went from York on the coaches. It was absolutely vital for us to do it. It is a demonstration that the majority of people in this country oppose Mr Blair's stance towards war."

Lesley Anson, of Harrogate, added: "We all had a brilliant day. It was fantastic and there were huge numbers of people there.

"I got right to the front and heard all the speakers. It really did seem as if there had been a huge turnout."

The march, organised by CND, aimed to show both Governments the strength of feeling among anti-war protesters.

Jo Taluch-Edwards, of York, said: "I have been on all the other demonstrations and this was absolutely brilliant. Everyone had a common purpose. Nothing would have stopped me going on it."

Keith Kinsella, also of York, added: "I am still buzzing about the day. It will be historic what happened on Saturday. Now we need to get more people involved.

"Every class of person and people of every religion were in attendance. I was really excited before hand but I didn't realise it would be quite as huge as it was."

Updated: 10:53 Monday, September 30, 2002