Marchers went through the town of Totnes

Students left lectures, workers downed tools and shops closed in and around Totnes to demonstrate opposition to any conflict with Iraq.

About 200 campaigners staged the sit-in, effectively sealing off the fuel pumps, saying any conflict is driven by oil rather than removing Saddam Hussein.

The demonstration started on Monday morning after a march to Totnes town centre from the nearby town of Dartington attracted 1,000 people for a lunchtime rally.

Shop owners closed their premises to join the protest

Campaigner and speaker Eileen Noakes said: "It's not too late, because every single thing we do makes a difference.

"We've got to think about a world where people cannot make these unilateral decisions for other people."

Students from the nearby Dartington College of Arts also took part.

One student said: "A lot of us have been finding it quite hard to leave our lessons because we really want to continue, but because of the world today we have to do something about it."

The demonstration in Totnes finished peacefully, but protesters say they are planning more marches in the weeks and months to come.

The demonstration follows a much bigger march through Exeter at the weekend.

On Saturday, about 2,000 people turned out, as well as a group of pro-war campaigners.