BRITAIN'S longest-serving MP will address a rally against war with Iraq on Saturday.

Father of the House Tam Dalyell, Labour member for Linlithgow in Scotland, has opposed British military action from Suez in 1956 through to Kosovo.

He will address marchers at Sunderland University's Wearmouth Hall at the end of what the organisers hope will be the biggest demonstration seen in the city.

A Sunderland Stop the War Coalition spokesman said: "We are delighted that such a prominent opponent of the war has chosen to speak in Sunderland.

"Tam Dalyell has long been a campaigner on this issue and we feel that his position as Father of the House gives added weight to our campaign.

"We are mindful that the clock is ticking away towards war and we believe it is vital that the people of Sunderland take this opportunity to show their opposition to it.

"We would urge that people attend the march and rally.''

The rally will also feature speakers from the churches and trade unions.

Messages of support have come from CND chairman Bruce Kent, the Bishop of Durham the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle Ambrose Griffiths.

The march will start at 10.30am at Mowbray Park.