Long before the first missile was launched against Iraq, peace demonstrators had left the Government in no doubt there was a groundswell of public opinion against the war.

More than one million people of all ages, races and religions marched in central London three months ago in a bid to stop the conflict.

There were also frequent protests throughout Sussex, with Brighton witnessing a series of highly-charged marches.

The war is now over but many still feel unhappy about British involvement in it and other aspects of foreign policy.

But what can the electorate do about it? How do we get our politicians to listen?

That is where Our World Our Say comes in. It has already given thousands of people the chance to express their opinions and tell leaders such as Tony Blair and others MPs what they think of their policies.

Based at offices in Middle Street, Brighton, the group was set up earlier this year and its success has mushroomed.

Chairman Tim Walker took an advertisement in a national paper using £5,000 of his own money to state the group's position and attract more support.

This generated more cash to place other ads and within a few weeks, 12,000 people had pledged their support.

Mr Walker, a former anti-apartheid campaigner, felt there were many people who considered themselves powerless but who did not want to join the overtly political Stop The War Coalition.

Meanwhile, Gerard Rosenberg, a former Oxfam worker who had considered setting up his own organisation, heard of what Mr Walker was doing and decided to join him.

Mr Rosenberg is now campaign director for Our World Our Say, which has maintained its momentum, even now the headlines about Iraq are fading.

He said there was still a humanitarian crisis affecting at least 16 million Iraqis who were completely reliant on food aid.

The war had stopped their food supplies and people were now seriously threatened by hunger and disease.

Our World Our Say is still urging people to ask their MPs to do everything they can to reduce suffering in Iraq by sending in aid.

It is also keen for the reconstruction of Iraq to be supervised by the United Nations rather than by the US/UK coalition.

Mr Walker said: "Our World Our Say believes politicians should not be able to make world-

changing decisions on such critical issues as going to war with Iraq, participating in the American Star Wars programme or attacking other supposed Axis of Evil countries without consulting us, the voters.

"When the future direction of our planet - and the lives of millions of people are threatened - we need to speak out."

Other issues of concern include famine in parts of Africa, the breakdown of international institutions and treaties and the growth of international terrorism.

Mr Rosenberg said: "We believe in giving people a voice, in reaching those who lie outside the sphere of normal activist organisations."

Our World Our Say is using modern means of communication, including electronic mailing and a web site, to get across the views of concerned people.

It is not a political or religious organisation, although it has the backing of some MPs and groups such as the Quakers.

Most of the money has been contributed by ordinary people although the group is hoping some private sector companies will also give donations.

Body Shop founder Anita Roddick, who lives in Sussex, has also expressed interest in the organisation.

Mr Rosenberg said he felt progress had been made after the initial opposition to the war in Iraq prompted a debate in Parliament.

He hopes this has set a precedent, with Parliament's consent needed before any future war.

Mr Walker said: "We have a number of volunteers working for us, including many from Sussex University, but we could do with more."

He also appealed for people who agreed with the organisation to make a donation.

He said: "We are aiming to give ordinary people a choice. We are trying to have an influence on political leaders."

Our World Our Say will put out regular bulletins about its progress.

It is organising a national conference in the autumn, which will also act as an official launch.

With wars, terrorism and famine showing no signs of declining, Our World Our Say could be in line for a long run.

Mr Rosenberg said: "We all need to use our democratic rights to best * People wishing to make a donation can call 0845 3789000. In return, they will receive an information pack.