Tens of thousands of anti-war protesters gather in Washington to call for US troops to leave Iraq.

Organisers were expecting more than 100,000 people to join the 11-hour rally, march and concert.

The crowd that marched on the White House, chanting slogans and carrying banners, stretched for several blocks.

The rally attracted a diverse mix - from first-time demonstrators to those who had opposed the Vietnam War.

The focus of their criticism, President George W Bush, was out of town monitoring hurricane relief efforts in south US.

Anti-war sentiment is growing in the US with a majority now wanting to see the troops come home.

Rallies opposing the war in Iraq were also held in other US and European cities, including this one in Rome.