ABOUT 500 people supported a world peace initiative at an event held at Brenchley Gardens in Maidstone. The family day had been arranged by the Maidstone Youth Forum before last week's terrorist attacks in America.

Organisers said the appalling events in New York, Washington and Pittsburg, had made the day particularly poignant for all involved.

A petition calling for global peace for at least one day a year was signed by more than 300 who attended the event in Maidstone. Daniel Turner, chairman of the youth forum, said: "It went very well. It was held at a very sensitive time and everyone's thoughts were on what had happened in America."

He added: "We really wanted to get across the message that terrorism doesn't lead to peace and doesn't solve anything. Neither should it lead to more violence - there are peaceful solutions as well. There was a brilliant atmosphere - everyone came together really well."

During the day there was a bouncy castle and face-painting for children and displays of art work and poetry about peace from local schools.

Graffiti artists put their interpretation of the peace message on two 8ft by 4ft boards and flyers were handed out in the town centre to encourage people to join the peace initiative.

A spokesman for Maidstone council said: "The council was delighted with the day and delighted to give our support to it. It shows that future generations are keen to see peace in the world rather than war and conflict."