In pictures: Protesters rally in Shrewsbury over Syria bombing

Organised by 39-year-old Anna Morris, last night's protest saw the town's historic Squapacked with placard and flag-waving demonstrators who were voicing their concerns prior to the Government vote today.

Among those taking part in the candle-lit vigil, which started at 5pm and ran until 7pm was Joanna Day, 69, from Bayston Hill.

She said: "I am just appalled by the idea that we could be being taken in to another war and by the idea that we will be bombing civilians. Paris was appalling but do we really want to inflict that on other people?"

Jo Hill, 65, had travelled from Telford, to take part in the vigil. She said: "We have been bombing Iraq for 13 years and look where that has got us. The government are not consulting the people, that is not democracy. It is wrong on so many levels."

Frances Robbs, 71, from Shrewsbury said that bombing Syria was not the solution. "We have got to sit down and talk it out. Lessons should have been learned from other military action. Bombing will just create more terrorists."

Her view was shared by Dave Green, 59 from Shrewsbury, who said: "We need to find more subtle ways to solve this problem. Bombing will create more martyrs and jihadists. It will just feed the situation."

Jonathan Walton, 65, from Pontesbury said that he was unclear what the alternative solution was to bombing but was convinced one had to be found.

He said: "I think bombing will actually help Isis. It was act as a recruiting exercise for them. We should actually be helping people in that part of the world."

During the vigil a three-minute silence was held to remember all those who have been killed in war and conflict.

Organiser Anna, from Shrewsbury, said she was pleased with the turnout and, depending on the way the vote goes in the House of Commons today may arrange further vigils.