CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for a Son of Star Wars national missile defence system in North Yorkshire have marched to the proposed base.

CND members combined with Fylingdales Action Network to march from Whitby to Fylingdales.

A few campaigners walked from Whitby to Ellerbeck, where they met many others, and more than 200 gathered for music and food and to listen to speeches.

The large group then marched to Fylingdales, where a statement was handed in outlining why the groups object to the idea.

Jackie Fearnley, from the Fylingdales Action Network, said: "It was good for our small group to be joined by 200 other people. We felt very encouraged."

The march was held to mark the ending of America's commitment to the anti-ballistic missiles treaty, on June 13.

The United States gave notice it would be pulling out six months ago. Under the treaty, the Son of Star Wars plans would have been illegal.

President George Bush has already spoken of support for Son of Star Wars, which is intended to spot missiles fired towards the U.S. and shoot them out of the air.

It could include the U.S. spy base at Menwith Hill and early-warning station at Fylingdales.

The Evening Press is campaigning against the proposals, after concerns that they could make North Yorkshire a major target for anti-U.S. action.

The newspaper has put its concerns before President Bush.

Keith Mollison, another Fylingdales Action Network member, said the aim of the walk was to highlight the impact of Son of Star Wars both in terms of the national missile defence system, and of America putting weapons into space. Jackie Fearnley said: "The Government here are saying they haven't been asked for permission, yet and the end of the treaty will signal them being asked.

"There needs to be a national debate now.

"There are so many MPs against it, it will be shocking if it goes through."

Updated: 12:01 Monday, June 17, 2002