HUNDREDS of thousands of people took to the streets of London to protest against war with Iraq on Saturday.

And among them were protesters who had travelled in coaches from from Newport, Cwmbran, Pontypool and Blackwood.

Organisers claimed the march attracted half a million protesters, but the police set the figure at 200,000.

It was smaller than last month's protests, which attracted more than a million marchers - but the mood was much less forgiving.

Last time the march was about peace. On Saturday, the massive bombing of Baghdad had already begun, and the protesters were in town to voice their anger at the government - and particularly at Tony Blair.

Crowds chanted: "If you think that Blair's a poodle say 'woof woof'," and "Blair out", while many of the banners on show will have left the prime minister in no doubt about the contempt in which he is held.

Dave Hale, aged 45, of Pine Close, Risca, said: "Innocent women and children are being killed in an illegal invasion of a state for nothing other than oil resources. The images on TV have really upset us.

"And democracy in Wales is being stifled - the National Assembly was prevented from on the subject by the government in London.

"There's a lot of emotion being on the march because we realise exactly how strong the feelings are, and there's a lot of anger that the government are not listening to the voice of the people.

"But it's brilliant that so many people have come here today."

Bill Lloyd, a 70-year-old retired miner from Hengoed, pictured centre, said: "I've been on the last two protests. I feel very strongly about it. The American president has enough influence on our prime minister to get a vote for an illegal war.

"There are a lot more people than I thought interested in trying to stop the war, and we're not being listened to.

"It's nice to see so many young people marching. That's what raises my spirit more than anything.

"The atmosphere was excellent, there were no problems, and there was a determination there to continue with the anti-war movement."

* ALMOST 100 people marched the streets of Abergavenny on Saturday morning in protest at the war.

The march was organised by Gwent Peace and Justice Group.

Protester Carol Kay, from Abergavenny, said: "This is the biggest demonstration for over 20 years in Abergavenny and it shows the depth of feeling here and across the whole country."

Protesters carried banners and material doves demanding peace and justice.

Cars honked their support and shoppers stopped as they marched through the town centre.

Stephen Kay, a member of Gwent Peace and Justice, said he thought the war was "unforgivable", adding: "We hope to continue to get the message to Mr Blair that the country is upset."

When the march reached the town centre they sang 'We Shall Overcome' and gave a round of applause for their supporters and for Monmouth MP Huw Edwards for his support.