TWELVE years ago counselling teams from Worcestershire County Council's education psychology teams prepared to hold sessions in its high schools to help with the effects of the Gulf War.

They were primed ahead of any conflict to help pupils deal with the stresses they were suffering as fall-out.

This time around the effects is not quite so dramatic. Due to rolling news coverage the county's young generation is more aware of the world around them.

There is no sitting around letting the world go by without a whisper. Instead, pupils have been walking out of their schools, placards held high, to show they have a voice.

On the morning after the first strikes in Iraq around 60 youngsters walked out of Nunnery Wood High School to protest about the war.

The Evening News visited the Spetchley Road school to talk to pupils who had walked out, those who hadn't but were also anti-war, as well as those who supported the military action.

They are just a handful of young people who are more aware of the world around them and who feel they should be able to have their opinions heard.

"We felt that it was the only way to get our message across," said 15-year-old Stacey Oliver.

"It was successful in that people are starting to realise that we have our opinions and we take an interest in politics.

"It was a spur-of-the-moment decision after we heard other students were protesting. Some pupils said it was fair play that we did our bit.

"Some teachers weren't very impressed because we did it in school time."

While the pupils have not been suspended for their actions they were asked to make sure they caught up on any work missed due to the walk-out.

The pupils haven't ruled out the possibility of further walk-outs, despite knowing that the school doesn't support their actions.

"I did want to go but I thought school protests weren't enough," said 15-year-old Ruby Akhtar.

"I didn't think there would be much point in going," said Ceri Bannister, 14. "Most of the people went to get out of school, though some were really expressing their views."

During the last Gulf War I was 14, but unlike these pupils I was not as aware of the conflict. I certainly didn't have a voice as loud as they do. I can't remember anyone from my school even voicing an anti-war message, let along walking out of school or joining other protests.

The evolution of satellite and digital television with 24-hour news channels has meant that there is a lot more scope for what can be broadcast.

The world is becoming a smaller place, the Gulf could be just around the corner - the news coverage is so on-the-ball.

"At my house we've got Sky News on all the time," said Joe Gosling, 14.

"I want to turn it over but my mum won't let me.

"The war isn't affecting us at first hand - it's the media, this is why we're aware of it."

The teenager was behind the actions being taken in Iraq.

"If something isn't done about it soon, it's going to turn worse. It will turn nuclear. If Saddam has the capabilities he will probably use it.

"The way it's gone at the moment is the right way. People are saying it's wrong because of the civilian casualties but Saddam Hussein has killed a lot more of his own people."

The conflict has affected them in a number of ways, from protests to petitions as well as future choices.

Fifteen-year-old Ed Dusting has decided to try for a career in the forces.

"Before the war I wanted to join the air force," he said.

"Now I'm even more determined to help them get rid of evil in the world."

Whatever their views, the school has to remain neutral, though the passion of some of his pupils has clearly captivated headteacher Alun Williams.

"I'm very proud of young people taking an interest and expressing views in the world around them," he said.

"So much has been said about young people not taking an interest. I'm delighted to see that. In a school there are conflicting views. I know there are several staff with close links to people out in the Gulf at the moment and our pupils have links as well.

"We have to tread lightly and that's what I'd like to do as a school.

"I do respect their views, while disagreeing with them.

"They're coping with admirably. There's been a grand swell in young people being interested and forming views."

Thanks to Maxine Prendergast, Ruby Akhtar, Ceri Bannister, Stacey Oliver, Ed Dusting, Peter Savage, Joe Gosling and Alun Williams for the lively debate.