There are many military bases near Ripon Cathedral

Called the Shrine for Justice and Peace, it has been constructed in the cathedral's Chapel of God the Creator in the south west corner of the building.

The shrine consists of a layered altar of slates and stone on which candles can be placed.

It will be open to the public between 0800 GMT and 1830 GMT each day.

Cathedral Canon Keith Pushton explained that the Shrine for Justice and Peace was intended for use by anyone whatever their views on conflict with Iraq.

"The shrine should be available for all to use - service families who want to pray and light a candle for loved ones on active service and anyone who simply wants to pray for peace and justice," he said.

A number of military units in the area served by Ripon Cathedral are involved in preparations for any war in the Gulf.

These include the Catterick Garrison, RAF Leeming, HMS Forest Moor and the Army Apprentice College at Harrogate as well as the United States listening base at Menwith Hill.