CLERGYMEN in Chorley have expressed their concerns over the threat of war with Iraq -- as they remember those who lost their lives in the two world war's.

With Remembrance Sunday approaching on November 10 preparations are under way to respect and honour the soldiers who fought and lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars.

St Laurence's Parish Church in the town centre will be holding a civic service attended by Chorley Mayor, councillor Ray Parr, with a Poppy Day parade.

Reverend Dr John Cree of St Laurence's has made his views clear on the threat of war with Iraq. He said the cost on human suffering is too great.

Rev Cree said: "Throughout the last few years there has been one tragic event after another. We've had the problems in Afghanistan and now the bombing in Bali.

"The awfulness of what war involves should never be forgotten. It's so awful that it should only be considered as a last resort.

Rev Cree worked as a missionary in the war torn and ravaged African country Sierra Leone -- he spent more than four years there some 25 years ago and has first hand experience of the front line.

He said: "I had to work through areas where there had been massacres and the aftermath of killing is hunger and famine."

Reverend Ken Barrat of St George's Church, in the town centre told of how his grandfather William Barrat died in the Great War and his father, also William, served in the army during the Second World War.

He said that 'nobody wants a war' and that he is concerned about the loss of civilian life if a conflict with Iraq started. "My real concern is what medical services would be available for the troops, as from what I've heard they are considerably run down."

St George's will be holding a special service with appropriate hymns to remember those who lost their lives.

Uniformed groups, such as the Cubs, Guides and Brownies will be parading through the town centre on Poppy Day alongside the Chorley and District Ex-Sevicemen League.