CHILDREN and campaigners in Swindon marked the UN International Day Of Peace in their own ways.

While youngsters at Westlea Primary School sang peace songs, vigils were organised by the local branch of Amnesty International around the town yesterday.

The International Day Of Peace was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981.

It provides an opportunity for individuals, groups, organisations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date.

Pupils from Westlea Primary School performed a song for peace called No Wars Will Stop Us Singing.

Westlea teacher Alex Warr led a special assembly, talking to them about children across the globe caught in fighting and wars.

She said: "The pupils sang a song that was written for World Peace Day with the idea of encouraging schools to sing along on the day in support of each other."

Faye Rogers, 10, of Haydon Wick, is a member of the Westlea choir that performed the song.

She said: "Wars are upsetting people. There shouldn't be war, it's really stupid."

In agreement was fellow choir member, Becky Annal, 10, of Westlea, who said: "The song is important because people are getting killed for no reason and it's not right.

"I really like the song. My favourite words are no fear will stop us dreaming.'"

Peace campaigners are pushing for world governments to establish September 21 as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence.

Swindon and Marlborough Amnesty International Group organised the vigils to mark the occasion.

People gathered at the Swindon Cenotaph and marched through the town centre to begin the vigil at 1pm at the Millennium Clock.

Placards and peace candles were all key to demonstrating the importance of a day for peace.

Amnesty International member Emma Bushell, 29, of Greenmeadow, said: "The aim of the campaign is for a day of global ceasefire.

"This would at least allow one day for medical aid to be taken in to those who are most in need of help."

Vigils were also held at the Friends Meeting House in Eastcott Hill, West Swindon Centre and at Swindon College and New College.

South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove attended the town centre vigil.

She said: "There are too many conflicts going on in the world and some would say that Britain is complicit in stirring the problems.

"Hopefully, the vigil will help to demonstrate that the people of Swindon are serious about their quest for peace."