30 November 2011 Last updated at 16:56

In pictures: Public sector strike in Blackburn

Twenty-eight different unions from Unison to the NUT joined forces to march through the streets of Blackburn as part of the national public sector strikes calling for pensions justice.

John Murphy, president of Blackburn and District TUC, kicked off the march. He told about 1,000 people, who gathered outside Blackburn town hall, to "send out a strong message to the government to get their hands off our pensions".

The NUT was among the unions which supported the Blackburn rally. Jackie Clarey, a teacher at Cedars Infant School in Blackburn, (holding the right side of the NUT banner) said she was very reluctant to walk out but felt it was the last resort. “We have tried everything else - we just want to be listened to,” she said.

Blackburn with Darwen council workers Tony Slinger, and Billy Bell, 46, drummed up support for the strike. Mr Slinger said: "Something had to be done. They're expecting us to work two extra years for less money and pay more contributions to our pensions." Mr Bell said: "My message to the government is to leave our pensions alone."

Paul Newton with children Alyssa and Lewis

Refuse collector Paul Newton and his wife Adrena, who works for the NHS, took along his daughter Alyssa, five, and son Lewis, eight, to the rally. He said: "They've really enjoyed themselves. We don't mind working for longer or paying more but we feel we are being ripped off and it is a race to the bottom in the public sector. All they do is take."

Adil Babar and Lez Scott both work at Blackburn College and said they wanted to make as much noise as possible. Mr Scott said: "Ordinary working people shouldn't be made to pay for this crisis which was caused by bankers."

Blackburn College lecturer Mark Thwistlethwaite even had the support of his two-year old Jack Russell dog Tip. "It is disgusting snatching our pensions when bankers have got off scot-free for causing all these cuts."

Lancashire

In pictures: Public sector strike in Blackburn

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