IN THE stillness of Canterbury Cathedral, Iraqi Allia White lights a peace candle and prays for a swift end to the war.

She visisted the Crypt where special arrangements have been made for anyone wanting to say prayers for those on all sides of the conflict.

Mrs White, who works in Canterbury and lives in the area with her British husband, Malcolm, spoke to her elderly mother and family in Baghdad last weekend.

She said: "We said goodbye. I don't think I will ever see them again. They have nowhere to go, no protection. And I have nothing to reassure them."

Mrs White lit her candle in the special area which has been set aside in the Chapel of Our Lady Undercroft.

Cathedral spokesman Chris Robinson said: "We appreciate that at this time, prayer will be focused on those involved in the war and their families. Special prayers will also be said during normal services."