ANTI-WAR demonstrators marched out to Preston's Flag Market to protest against the American bombing of Afghanistan.

The protesters were led by members of the town's Muslim community and the newly-formed Preston Coalition Against the War, on Tuesday October 9th.

Michael Lavalette, organiser of the Coalition, said: "We are not here to offer a defence for what has happened. Obviously everybody was very disturbed by what happened on September 11. But things have to be put into context. Any bombing won't solve this, and just feeds and breeds terrorism."

During the peaceful protest many Muslims echoed Mr Lavalette's sentiments and spoke out against the attacks.

Salim Patel, of the Fulwood Mosque, said: "Obviously the majority of Muslims condemned the attacks. But justice isn't to bomb an entire country.

"We want to convey our anti-war feelings. We're standing here peacefully but at the moment people are being bombed in Afghanistan."

Although Preston has a large Muslim society, Faruk Desai, director of the town's Racial Equality Council, is convinced relations between different ethnic groups are strong enough to prevent any problems here.

He said: "Everybody is looking and listening intently to what is going on. We are seeing what the outcome is going to be, and keeping a calm and cool head.

"We are making sure there is a continuous and ongoing dialogue between communities in the town, and that people have a better understanding and respect for each other.

"I don't think there will be any trouble though. We have a very good track record in the town. I am confident this will continue, but we don't want to be complacent. We are building on the trust we already have."