RAW memories of the 2003 invasion of Iraq were brought back as anti-war campaigners held a vigil at Swindon's Cenotaph.

Around half a dozen Stop the War Coalition members displayed placards in the town centre yesterday lunchtime to mark the fourth anniversary of the war.

At the weekend protests took place across the USA, in Washington, San Francisco and Portland, in protest against the US-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein.

The war in Iraq is thought to have caused the deaths of tens of thousands of Iraqis, 133 British troops and more than 3,000 members of the US military.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, rushed towards the campaigners in Swindon exclaiming "thank you so much."

"I am an Arab so this is an irritating situation for us. What happens is so unfair for the children," she said.

A handful of passers-by stopped to witness the protest.

Vigil organiser Andy Newman, of Swindon Stop the War Coalition, said: "It is important that in every town centre there is a recognition that the war is ongoing. It is still a live issue and popular opinion is more against the war than ever before.

"The war has been an unmitigated disaster. We were actually lied to about the reason for going to war."

Stop the War Coalition member Brian Shakes-peare said: "I merely want to make people think and bear in mind with the announcement of the budget the billions being wasted in a criminal war."

Campaigners Ted and Ivy Poole, who have "marched against the bomb" all their lives, said the Iraqi people are no better off than the days of Saddam Hussein.

Mr Poole said: "The Iraqi people are saying they are worse off now than before the war started. They are getting more frustrated."

The couple said they also object to plans to renew the UK's nuclear deterrent, Trident.

"Trident is disgraceful and immoral. I can't think of words strong enough to show how concerned I am that they are spending money on this," said Mr Poole.