Hundreds of peace campaigners brought the centre of Lewes to a standstill on Saturday in a protest against the threat of war in Iraq.

More than 500 campaigners staged a peaceful demonstration, marching from County Hall in Western Road along High Street.

At the end of their route, in Cliffe High Street, speeches were delivered by peace campaigners including members of Lewes Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), which organised the protest, and Lewes MP Norman Baker.

March organiser and CND member Susan Murray said: "War does now seem inevitable, but we believe global protests so far have made world leaders think very hard about what they are doing. It is never too late to persuade the Government to change its mind.

"We were amazed by the turnout at the march, which shows there is still tremendous opposition to the war."

Liberal Democrat Mr Baker said he felt proud so many people had turned out to support the anti-war movement.

He said: "There is no justification legally, morally or ethically for us to go to war with Iraq."

Police blocked traffic travelling along High Street from about 11am until noon.

Inspector Danny O'Neil said: "This was a well-organised, peaceful demonstration because we worked alongside the organisers. We only required about six police officers for 500 people because the marchers had appointed stewards."