Students and school pupils joined in the protest

Comprehensive school pupils from Olchfa and Bishop Gore were among hundreds of youngsters who took part in the protest at 11.30 GMT on Wednesday.

Police, who escorted the march from Swansea University to Castle Gardens, estimate around 300 protesters were involved and said it caused considerable traffic disruption.

But organisers claim the figure was over 400 when the protest ended.

Although the protest dispersed peacefully, considerable disruption was caused to vehicle and pedestrian traffic along the entire route. Superintendent Cliff Filer

Police officers expressed concern at pupils leaving their classrooms unsupervised.

Swansea Council said all those taking part would be asked for permission slips signed by their parents.

Any disciplinary action was being left to the discretion of the head teachers.

'War for oil'

One person was arrested but police said the protest was peaceful and good-natured.

One of those marching was Adam Harris, a youth worker from Neath.

"The local schools joined in and as we walked from the university people just started marching with us," he said.

"There was a lot of support with car drivers beeping and people waving.

"There is a lot of opposition to a war for oil.

Protester Adam Harris

"We had said from the outset it was going to be peaceful and it was although the police were quite heavy handed in their approach."

Superintendent Cliff Filer of South Wales Police said one man was arrested for inciting children to sit down in the middle of a busy road.

He added: "Although the protest dispersed peacefully at 13.15GMT, considerable disruption was caused to vehicle and pedestrian traffic along the entire route.

Disciplinary action

"We expressed concerns over children leaving school unsupervised and walking along busy dual carriageways.

"We will be discussing this with education officials with a view to effectively managing public safety at any future demonstrations," he said.

Today has been very successful after it was called at very short notice Edward Steelefox

A spokeswoman for Swansea Council said: "While we welcome pupils in Swansea expressing their views and holding debate on current and important issues, we would hope that any plans to make their views heard would not result in them missing school lessons.

"Any pupil absent without prior authorisation from a parent or guardian would be considered truant."

The event was organised by Swansea's Stop The War Coalition.

Organiser Edward Steelefox, said: "We will continue to have marches until the war ends.

"I'm glad people walked out of schools, colleges and workplaces to show their support.