PUPILS walked out of two York schools today to stage anti-war marches.

About a dozen youngsters left Fulford School and All Saints' School, despite being urged not to go by teachers.

All Saints' School pupils walked to the Minster, chanting: "Don't Attack Iraq," before dispersing.

Jack Aaron, 16, from Dringhouses, had a letter from his father giving him permission to protest.

He said: "We heard about other pupils protesting on a website. We know our voices might not get heard, but we will try our best.

"I'm not worried about the consequences of our actions because it's something I believe in."

Chris Mawson, 16, from Tang Hall, said: "People miss school all the time. We're doing it for something we believe in."

Dave Holt, from Woodthorpe, 16, said: "Iraq is such a small country and shouldn't be attacked. They teach us to fight for what we believe in, so I don't know what their problem is."

All Saints' head teacher Dr Adrian Elliott said the pupils' protests had been inappropriate, but could not yet say what action taken against them.

The Fulford School protest came after teachers blocked school gates yesterday to prevent a walk-out.

Today's protesters said teachers warned them they could not return to school afterwards.

The group met up with other youngsters at a "peace camp" near York's Millennium Bridge. York Against the War protesters have moved to the riverside pitch from near Clifford's Tower.

The Fulford pupils then marched into the city centre carrying home-made banners and placards.

Darren Storey, 15, was delighted with his friends' response, but admitted larger numbers had been expected.

His mother, Denise, who accompanied the group, said motorists and pedestrians shouted support as they walked through Fulford.

Alistair McLeod, 16, said: "I feel strongly about the war, because there is no point. We have already fought in the Gulf and many people lost their lives."

Fulford School head Stephen Smith was not available for comment, but told parents in a letter last night that he could not sanction any such walk-outs.

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "The council is not in a position to tell schools how to manage children protesting over a possible war.

"However there are legal considerations which all schools would have to take into account including the health and safety of youngsters under the age of 16 who do not have permission to leave school."

Meanwhile, Fulford School teacher Ann Finch said today that the school's Amnesty International group would be staging a vigil at 1.20pm tomorrow in the main hall in solidarity with Iraqi civilians and with the families of servicemen and women in the Gulf.

Easingwold School head teacher Carey Chidwick said a lunchtime debate was held by the sixth form students today to "show solidarity" with other pupils in the area.

Updated: 15:15 Wednesday, March 19, 2003