Thousands to march on capital

Protesters will converge on London tomorrow to demonstrate against the occupation of Iraq in a massive march aimed at embarrassing Tony Blair ahead of the Labour Party conference.

Police will be on high alert, with as many as 100,000 demonstrators expected to take to the streets.

Extra officers have been called in to police protesters, who will beat drums and blow whistles to create a "sound of resistance" against the current occupation.

It is the first big rally since Saddam Hussein's regime fell and is expected to attract a number of high-profile campaigners.

Film director Ken Loach will address the crowd in Trafalgar Square alongside Labour MP George Galloway and London Mayor Ken Livingstone.

The last protest was noted for its peaceful atmosphere. But this weekend there are fears the crowd will be fervent in its opposition to the Iraq occupation.

Stop the War Coalition, which has organised Saturday's protest with the Muslim Association of Britain and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, urges demonstrators to "make a noise".

A spokesman said: "We want people to march to the sound of resistance. Bring whistles, kazoos, biscuit tins, pots."

There will be further protests when George Bush makes a state visit as guest of the Queen from 19-21 November.

Police are planning the biggest security operation ever seen in Britain, amid fears of terrorist attacks.