People staying at the camp look set to be evicted

Campaigners have been living in the grounds of the Axe and Compass pub in Kempsford, near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire for the past two weeks.

But now they have been told they will be served with eviction notices to leave their temporary home.

Meanwhile, bombs were being positioned near B-52 aircraft at the base on Thursday.

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman said an order for protesters to leave the land would be served shortly.

Gloucestershire Police advised campaigners it would be safer for them if they moved on, and the protesters have reluctantly agreed they will leave.

The B-52s are expected to take part in major raids

RAF Fairford is designated by Nato as a forward base for US warplanes and was last used by the bombers during the 1991 Gulf War and 1999 Kosovo conflict.

The base, which is about six hours flying time from Iraq, has become the focus of a series of anti-war protests by people from all over the country.

Security around the site has been stepped up in recent days with armed police brought in to patrol the area and extra razor wire added to barriers.

On Wednesday, signs were attached to the perimeter fence which warned: "Use of deadly force authorised".

A number of campaigners have been arrested and charged after breaking in by cutting through the fences.