Troops supporters predict more rallies

Troops supporters predict more rallies

Patriot Rally supporters came mainly from military families

A pro-troops rally held in Exeter could be the first of many, according to organisers.

Saturday's event drew about 250 supporters from across Devon and Cornwall, including the wives, parents and children of servicemen currently in the Gulf.

Ex-serviceman Ken Hill, who organised the Patriot Rally, said: "The people out there now know they can do this themselves in their own towns.

"I want it to snowball. I want people to know that we are allowed to support our troops.

"We are allowed to support their wives and families."

Terri Ashcroft, whose husband is with Plymouth-based 42 Commando, said: "I just want to show my support for my husband and all the lads that are out there.

Ken Hill: "I want it to snowball"

"They are doing a job and I don't think they should be slated for it."

Derek Longhurst from Kingsteignton has a son James, 24, in the Royal Tank Regiment

He said: "They need all the support they can get and anything we can do in this sort of way is to the good."

Trish, from Lympstone, said: "It's amazing. We're standing shoulder to shoulder to show support for one another and our men.

"It's wonderful. At last I can meet people who have the same sort of feelings."

Local MP Ben Bradshaw was among the crowd.

He said: "I think it's really important that people realise that the quiet majority of people in this country are fully behind what our armed servicemen and women are doing out there."

Stop the War Coalition press their points yards away

The Patriot Rally took place in the city centre as members of the Stop the War Coalition leafleted shoppers and held their regular peace stall.

War widow Deirdre Rogers, of Exton, said: "What will come home to the women?

"How will these lovely young women cope with the broken bodies and minds of their men?

"It's not the ones who die - that's quick and it's over - it's the ones who will live and suffer."