Protests over the weekend included events in Exeter, Holsworthy in north Devon and Redruth in Cornwall.

The biggest protest was in Exeter on Saturday, where a peace coffin was laid on the Cathedral Green.

Members of the Stop the War Coalition said it represented the thousands of Iraqi children who could be killed if war was launched.

Silent protest

The coffin, draped with a United Nations flag, had been part of a mock funeral cortege over previous weekends.

It travelled through several South West towns, including Helston, St Austell, Plymouth and Totnes.

It will eventually end up in London on 15 February for a day of protest.

A silent protest was staged in the town square in Holsworthy on Saturday.

A peace demonstration was also held in mid-Cornwall on Sunday.

Campaigners met in Redruth town centre before marching on to Pool market and Camborne.