THOUSANDS of public sector workers from across East Lancashire are expected to march through Blackburn as part of a national strike against pension changes.

Among those set to strike are doctors, nurses, paramedics, midwives, headteachers, teachers, classroom assistants, civil servants, probation staff and waste disposal workers.

Police support staff and fire and rescue staff are also expected to take part in the protest on Wednesday, November 30.

Union members will rally outside Blackburn Town Hall, in King William Street, after marching through the town centre.

It is part of the TUC’s day of action, organised in objection to Government plans to make staff pay more and work longer to earn their pensions.

It is supported by 17 unions, including Unite, UNISON and GMB.

Yesterday Unite, the UK’s largest union, became the latest to vote in favour of strike action.

Members voted three-to-one in favour of walking out alongside members of 16 other unions.

GMB senior organiser Graham McDermott said it was one of a number of marches taking place across the region on November 30.

He added: “There will be speakers from the unions involved and people will be encouraged to make some noise to support public service workers involved in the pensions dispute.”

The protestors will assemble outside Blackburn Town Hall at 11.30am, before setting off on the march at 11.45am.

They will return to rally outside the King William Street building at around 12.30pm.

Picket lines are also expected across East Lancashire.