CHURCHES in the Weald will be throwing open their doors on Saturday to give people a chance to pray for peace.

The event has been organised to coincide with a day of anti-war demonstrations across the country, including one organised by the Stop the War Coalition in Hyde Park, London.

The churches will be open throughout Saturday, giving people a chance to have some quiet contemplation and pray for peace at their leisure.

The churches have joined forces as the threat of war with Iraq looms closer. Other events due to be held on Saturday include one in Cranbrook town centre, from 11am, with plans to march to the war memorial from Vestry Hall.

At 8pm, the Paddock Wood churches will join together for a service of prayer and witness for peace at St Andrew's Church, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood.

Churches taking part are Brenchley, open during daylight hours; Holy Trinity at East Peckham, open between 9am and 5pm; East Peckham Methodist Church, open between 9.30am and 1pm and Hadlow church, open from 9.30am to 12.30pm and between 2pm and 4 pm.

To the south, Horsmonden Church Hall, will be open between 9am and 11am; Lamberhurst Church from 9.30am until 3.30pm; Matfield between 9.30am and 3.30pm; St Andrew's at Paddock Woodfrom 9am to 2pm and again from 3pm to 5pm; St Justus at Paddock Wood from 9am onwards; and Pembury Upper Church from 9am to 5pm.