War protesters are planning a mass demonstration in Ilkley to mark the start of hostilities in Iraq.

Peace campaigners are urging as many people as possible to join their Protest of Light to coincide with the start of military action.

Their demonstration comes amid accusations that objectors are failing to support the troops.

But the Ilkley Peace Group refutes any suggestion of a lack of patriotism.

Corinne Wales, one of the organisers of the rally, stressed: "One of our messages is that we are trying to support our troops by bringing them back home

"The arguments as to why we should not go into war still stand and so it is vitally important that the opposition continues even now."

The group, which has 20 core members, is calling on the public to turn out en masse within hours of the start of war.

The protest is planned for 5pm outside Ilkley Town Hall following the start of hostilities. Participants are asked to bring candles, lanterns and torches.

Campaigners say they have had strong support for their anti-war stance and they are confident public backing will continue.

Corinne stressed: "There is a tremendous amount of opposition to the war in Ilkley. We have had a lot of people signing the petition and giving us their support. It has been very rewarding being out on the streets and finding that we really are representing a significant number of people."

She said the latest planned protest had been well publicised and the group were hoping for strong support. The start of war will be marked with a day of prayer at All Saints Parish Church. Prayers will be held from 8am until 8pm after hostilities begin.

All Saints press officer and vicar's wife Rosie Tudge said the church had been designated as a central point for prayers because of its prominent position in the town.

She said: "My husband is the vicar and I know he has been very against Britain and America going to war, especially without this next resolution.

"The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has been very outspoken so a lot of churches have taken their lead from him.

"But seeing as war now seems inevitable our feelings are that we need to pray for those involved on all sides."