Peace protest comes to Kingston

Peace campaigners made their mark in Kingston on Saturday to commemorate the anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb raid on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in August 1945.

Two events took place during the day. Around lunchtime several members of Kingston Peace Council/CND gathered with placards outside the Bentall Centre in Clarence Street.

Over a period of two hours they handed out leaflets and engaged with hundreds of passers-by to point out the growing threat to the world caused by nuclear weapons.

Then, during the evening in Canbury Gardens, more peace campaigners, including members of the local Japanese community, were joined by Mayor of Kingston Councillor Yogan Yoganathan.

After short speeches a minute's silence was observed in memory of the victims of all wars and white flowers were strewn on the river as an act of remembrance.