THE NEWPORT couple acting as human shields in Iraq against British and American attack have now crossed the border safely into neighbouring Syria.

Sue Kirby, 56, from Wavell Drive, Malpas said her daughter Helen Williams and her partner Kevin Williams, also from Malpas, had left Iraq.

In January the pair, both aged 35, travelled to the Iraqi capital Baghdad in a convoy of double decker buses with 75 activists from around the globe.

Their aim was to protest against the impending war against Iraq and they hoped to stop an attack by acting as human shields.

Mrs Kirby, a nurse at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, said her daughter sent her an e-mail on Wednesday to say she and Mr Williams were safe.

"She is totally devastated that war has actually happened and they are in Syria at the moment.

"They thought long and hard about staying but they went out there to prevent the war and now that it has started there's not much they can do about it."

Mrs Kirby said that Helen and Kevin's decision to go to Iraq was the most dangerous thing they had ever done.

She is expecting a tough time for them all over the coming days. "Helen is so upset and I'm feeling bad enough - I've got my fingers crossed for her. Mrs Kirby said the couple had seen some terrible sights in Iraq.

"After spending three weeks travelling, they have spent the last month visiting hospitals and orphanages and have seen some terrible sights.

"She has been very moved by what she has seen. They said the Iraqi people are absolutely wonderful and she wants to take us over there to see what it is like. "I just long for Helen to come home as quickly as possible.

"I am very proud of them both and what they have tried to do. "Helen is very well thought of by the people who are in contact with her."