YOUNGSTERS from France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia and Spain, have signed a petition against a war with Iraq.

The group of 42 were in the county for a conference, organised by Durham County Council to discuss how children with disabilities are excluded.

Cordula Rutz, of Tbingen, Germany, said: "We do not want war, we believe in peace. We do not see any real evidence that would prove a connection between Al-Qaida and the Iraq regime.

"In our opinion the US government and their allies make use of the people's fears of terrorist attacks in order to support their own political and economic interests.''