A JOURNALIST who was captured by the Taliban will speak about her experiences at an anti-war rally in Burnley.

Yvonne Ridley, who was taken prisoner while covering events in Afghanistan, has been lined up to speak at a public meeting, organised by Burnley's Stop the War coalition, is to spell out reasons against going to war with Iraq.

People will also be given the opportunity to buy tickets to attend a demonstration in London on February 15.

Yvonne was captured in September 2001 in Afghanistan. She was released in Pakistan after British diplomats intervened.

Organisers said there was already huge demand for tickets, with many more expected to be sold at the meeting on Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Keirby Hotel, Burnley.

Stop the War coalition organiser Mary Black, said: "We wanted Yvonne to attend the September meeting, but she couldn't make it so she has promised to be at Wednesday's meeting. I think people will find what she has to say will be of great interest as she puts forward the case against war."

The coalition is expecting between 400,000 and a million people to turn up to the demonstration in London.

Speakers at the Burnley public meeting will also include Chris Nineham, the Stop the War Coalition national officer, and Rossendale Labour Councillor Hugh McCaw.

They are also planning a roadside candlelit vigil in Burnley from 5pm to 6pm on Friday and will be asking passing cars to "Honk for Peace".

Coaches for the London rally will be leaving Colne bus station at 6.30am, Nelson bus station at 6.45am, the Thompson Centre, Burnley, at 7am and from Bank Street, Rawtenstall at 7.15am.