STRIKING workers held pickets across south Essex in a walkout over pay.

In one of the largest strikes of its kind in recent years, firefighters joined teachers and council workers to protest against changes to their wages.

Staff held a march throughout Southend to rally support, waving placards.

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They gathered at the Civic Centre, in Victoria Avenue, Southend, before marching to a rally outside the Odeon in Victoria Plaza.

Southend Against the Cuts chairman Tim Sneller said hundreds of people had turned out.

Staff outside Southend's Civic Centre. Video: Al Underwood