MORE than 200 people gathered outside Worcester’s Guildhall on Saturday in a candlelit vigil for peace in Gaza.

As fighting continues to rage in the Middle East following Israel’s invasion of the Gaza strip, a multi-faith coalition in Worcestershire organised the symbolic event which ran throughout Saturday afternoon in Worcester’s High Street.

About 250 people are estimated to have joined the vigil at different times over the course of the day, with hundreds more signing a petition in protest against the escalating violence.

A megaphone was passed around for speakers to voice their opinions about the crisis in the Middle East, and about £150 was collected in support of charities providing medical support to stricken Palestinians.

There was also music, free food, stalls selling merchandise, and a special candlelit vigil once darkness fell.

The event went on for more than five hours.

“I’m delighted with how it went,” said organiser Mark France, a member of the anti-war Respect party.

“We had great representation from the local Asian community, from Christian groups, local city councillors, Unison (the public sector union), the Worcester Stop the War group, the Green Party and various other local organisations.”

Mr France said he and his fellow organisers are now planing another event in Worcester for this Saturday, perhaps involving some sort of protest march against the violence.

See your Worcester News this week for details.