About 200 protesters, some dressed as weapons inspectors, soldiers and doves of peace keeled over in the street to highlight the lives they claim would be lost if Britain goes to war on Iraq.

Many waved placards daubed with fake blood at the so-called die-in, organised by students at Bournemouth University.

Meanwhile, about 15 people protested outside Marchwood military port in Southampton, where Greenpeace campaigners were arrested after locking themselves in Scorpion tanks on Tuesday.

Today's demonstration had a great atmosphere of fun, but with a serious message Andy Hayes, protester

In nearby Brockenhurst demonstrators paraded a large fake bomb through the High Street while collecting signatures against military action.

Andy Hayes, president of Bournemouth University's Students Against War society, said: "There is a great groundswell of opposition to going to war among ordinary people.

"A lot of people don't know how to channel their distaste, so we wanted to bring the debate to the public with this protest.

"Today's demonstration had a great atmosphere of fun, but with a serious message."

The Bournemouth protest is to be followed by an evening anti-war rally at the town's Friends Meeting House.

Speakers include the university's Professor Paul Grief.