THE families of Wyre Forest troops facing war in the Gulf have called on anti-war protesters to put down their banners and rally behind "our boys".

The appeal, backed by the district's MP, came as hundreds of youngsters abandoned lessons to take to the streets of Kidderminster and Bewdley to protest at the decision to act against Iraq.

Ron Whitfield, a former Kidderminster police chief, called on protesters to show support for the soldiers, sailors and airmen in the line of fire.

His son Philip, 28, a former Wolverley High School pupil and now a helicopter pilot with the Royal Marines serving with the 847 Naval Air Squadron, is awaiting orders to go in. Philip Whitfield, an award-winning helicopter pilot with the Royal Marines.

"I last spoke to him on Sunday. He has been out there since early January. His job will be to provide aerial support to ground forces.

"We understand people's protests but now is the time to support the forces," he said.

"We are obviously concerned - when Philip joined up we hoped he would not have to put his life in danger but we accept that is his job and just hope everything works out okay."

Another parent waiting desperately for news is Sara Foster, whose 21-year-old son Steven is aboard HMS Ark Royal. She called on protesters to "shut up" once battle commenced.

Scores of students from Bewdley High School and "a handful" from Kidderminster College walked out of lessons yesterday, the day after Tony Blair's Government won a crucial House of Commons vote endorsing military action against Saddam.

More than 200 Bewdley youngsters, most aged 14 or 15, marched into the town centre and urged passing motorists to "beep for peace". Students from Bewdley High School backed pleas for peace.

Leading the one-hour walkout was Juliet Flynn, 15. who said pupils were determined to get their voices heard.

Head teacher David Derbyshire has written to the parents of all those involved.

"Although I am happy they are expressing their views, I cannot condone them leaving school without prior authorisation."

A small walkout also took place at Kidderminster College.

Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor, who joined rebel Labour colleagues in voting against military action and in claiming the case had not been made for war, said it was vital troops were given public support.

"My overall feeling now is one of tremendous sadness that we are set for war. However, I believe that once war breaks out it is our duty to support those in the Gulf. It is possible to support the troops and remain opposed to the war in principle."

Mrs Foster, of Gilgal, Stourport, said she was going through a terrible time worrying about her son and his friends.

"I am always thinking about Steven and my stomach feels as if it's always in a knot. I know life has to go on - I have four other children and a job - but my thoughts are with Steven and I end up crying myself to sleep."

She last spoke to her son on Monday before they were ordered not to contact home again.

"They have been put on action stations in the Gulf and have been issued with gas masks."

She added: "The last time I spoke to him he told me that he loved us all and that we shouldn't worry, but I couldn't help but cry and worry.

"Our lives now revolve around the news - we watch the TV first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening."

Her appeal to protesters was echoed by Larry Billingsley, secretary of the district's Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Association.

"I served in Palestine in 1946-8 and the conditions were awful then and have not changed since. The troops will be keen to go in and do their job now and they need our support."

He added: "I don't think some of the protesters understand what is happening in Iraq. Saddam Hussein is willing to murder his own people - he will not think twice about killing ours."

Ken Hepwood, honorary secretary of the Royal Naval Association in Kidderminster, said young protesters were "misguided" and should support the war effort now it was under way.

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association in the district is bracing itself for calls from relatives if problems arise during the conflict.

"We are here to help - they are not alone," said divisional secretary Tony Goldsmith.

The group, which holds a surgery at the CAB office in Kidderminster on Tuesdays from 10.30am-1.30pm, can be contacted on 01562 751181.