The minesweeper HMS Ledbury is playing a key role in the drive to bring humanitarian aid to Iraq.

The ship is clearing mines in the seaways off the key port of Umm Qasr, which will allow Sir Galahad, laden with aid, to dock.

On Monday, up to 70 mines were reported to have been found in the Khawr-Abd Allah waterway leading to Iraq's only deep water port.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that HMS Ledbury has been in action helping to clear the mines, in a complex and potentially risky operation.

Richard Whalley, MOD spokesman for the Royal Navy, said: "HMS Ledbury is part of this mine clearance task group and is playing a vital role in ensuring humanitarian aid can get through to Iraq.

"The extent of mine laying is quite intensive and there is a lot of work to do."

The task has been made more difficult by the determination of Iraqi forces to lay more mines.

Coalition ships are reported to have intercepted a number of small vessels which, once boarded, were found to be carrying mines.

Meanwhile, prayers and vigils for peace in Iraq have become a feature of Ledbury life since the war began last week.

On Friday evening, around 30 people gathered under the Market House for Amnesty Internation-al's "vigil of sorrow and solidarity for the people of Iraq".

Amnesty branch secretary Roger Hughes praised young people in the vicinity of the vigil.

He said: "You normally get high spirited children under the Market House, but they respected the silence. There really was a sense of something going on."

Mr Hughes stressed Amnesty was taking a neutral stance on the conflict, its aims were that the Geneva Convention should be respected, casualties minimised and prisoners treated correctly.

St Michael and All Angels Church has become a focus for people wishing to pray for peace, with special services taking place each day from 5pm.

The church is open throughout the day, for individual prayers and the lighting of candles.