THOUSANDS of marchers crammed into St George’s Square for the largest trade union rally in the town for years.

Teachers, carers and bin men were among more than 2,000 people demonstrating against public sector pension changes yesterday.

Many thousands more took part in the action across Huddersfield

Probation officer Penny Lawrence, 51, was among trade unionists gathering in St George’s Square before the march set off at 10.30am.

"If these changes go through, I will have to work until I’m 68," said the National Association of Probation Officers member.

"This strike is about valuing public service.

"I’ve devoted my life to public service and I work very hard – people I know in the private sector earn a lot more than me."

She was joined by Sarah Nolan, 27, who also works at Huddersfield Probation Office on St John’s Road.

The Unison member said: "I’ll be 68 when I retire, which means I have more than 40 years to go.

"I love my job but the majority of service-users are aged 18 to 24 and they want people they can relate to."

Richard Gray was among representatives of the University and College Union at yesterday’s demonstration.

The Kirklees College art and design lecturer said: "These changes affect young staff coming into the profession. Do students really want lecturers who are 67?"

The demonstrators set off for two laps of the town centre at 11am.

See what health service and ambulance workers thought about the strike on the next page.