Hundreds of campaigners staged a peaceful anti-war demonstration in the heart of Brighton - and voiced support for striking firefighters.

Between five and six hundred people took to the streets to protest against war with Iraq on Saturday.

There was no repeat of the violence that marred a demo held in the city on October 31.

Then, police had used batons and pepper spray on marchers, who staged a sit-down protest to block traffic outside Brighton Pier. About 15 people were arrested.

On Saturday, hundreds of officers were put on stand-by to deal with any trouble.

Protesters were filmed by officers and the Sussex Police helicopter monitored the march.

But a police spokeswoman said afterwards: "There were between 500 and 600 people taking part but it was very good-natured and there were no arrests or serious incidents."

Fiona Philips, of Sussex Action for Peace, said: "We didn't expect any trouble.

"The protest is peaceful and is against the determination of America and Britain to start a war against Iraq, despite huge public opinion against it."

The demo started with a rally in Preston Park, Brighton, before campaigners marched along London Road to the seafront.

Speakers included Iraqi citizen Amer Albazaz.

He said: "Iraq has no weapons of mass destruction hidden away by Saddam. What it does have is black gold, the oil that George Bush and Tony Blair are so keen to get their hands on.

"That is what the war is really all about because the West's oil supplies will soon be exhausted."

On top of the anti-war messages, marchers voiced support for striking firefighters, chanting "No war, no way, give the firefighters more pay," as they passed Preston Circus fire station.

Hove DJ Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook, and his wife Zoe Ball sent a message of support to the marchers.

It said: "We would not support a war against Iraq. No amount of oil is worth a single life."

Tom Daly, of Sussex Action for Peace, is suing police after he was temporarily blinded by pepper spray during the violence on October 31.

Mr Daly, 25, of York Place, Brighton, said his face felt as if it was on fire for two hours after an officer sprayed him.