PEACE protesters claim scores of people travelled from across the South Lakeland area to add their names to a petition opposing war with Iraq, reports Justin Hawkins.

The Don't Attack Iraq petition received 243 signatures in an hour-and-a-half peace vigil at the 'Birdcage' on Finkle Street in Kendal on Saturday.

Veteran campaigner Jean Ward, of Kendal District Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), explained that various peace groups and concerned citizens had turned up to express their opposition at the prospect of Britain taking part in an attack against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

She said she had been surprised by the level of support for the protest.

"We have never had such a response in all the years I have protested here," said Mrs Ward.

" People have been queuing and people have told us they have come into town especially to sign the petition.

People are really worried."

American President George W.

Bush is pressing for military action against Saddam.

Prime Minister Tony Blair's support for Mr Bush has sparked fears that he will take British troops to war against Iraq alongside US forces, whether or not military action is sanctioned by the UN.

Among the people who signed the Don't Attack Iraq petition in Kendal, opinion on the subject was divided between those who opposed any military action against Saddam and those who would accept military intervention in Iraq under the auspices of the UN.

A further 156 people in Kendal signed a second petition calling for Britain's unilateral nuclear disarmament.

Chris Prettyman, regional representative on the CND national council, said the response had been "very encouraging".

l The anti-war demonstration in Kendal was timed to coincide with a Don't Attack Iraq march in London.

It is claimed up to 400,000 people attended the demonstration, which was organised by the Stop the War Coalition and the Muslim Association of Great Britain.