TEACHERS' representatives in Bury have lobbied MP David Chaytor in a bid to protect their pension rights.

The four met the Bury North MP as part of a nationwide campaign against controversial government plans to reduce their pension rights.

The local union leaders, representing more than 1,000 teachers and lecturers throughout the borough, met Mr Chaytor at his office in Bury.

Their lobby is part of a UK-wide campaign being waged by teachers' unions.

They say that many staff, particularly those under the age of 50, are faced with their existing pension entitlements being cut back. The planned changes will hit more than 1.2 million public sector employees if they go ahead.

Local co-ordinator and National Union of Teachers secretary Helen Andrews says there is "real anger" among public sector employees that the Government is proposing to take away existing entitlements and worsen future pension benefits.

Speaking after the one-hour meeting with the MP, she said: "We had a useful exchange of views and a good discussion.

"I think there was agreement that there should be flexibility within pension schemes.

"We were disappointed, however, as we don't think he agreed with us over our belief that teachers should be able to retire at 60 without any reduction in benefit."

Mr Chaytor said: "I am sure they understand completely the effects of the dramatic increases in life expectancy that have been experienced in recent years.

"These changes require all pension schemes to adapt because of the additional number of years that, happily, people can now expect to be drawing their pensions."

He added: "I would emphasise that the proposals are designed to protect the current arrangements for those approaching retirement age. Their impact should certainly not affect the plans of those teachers currently in their 50s. The changes are designed to be brought in gradually and progressively so that even teachers currently in their 40s should only be marginally affected."

Those who met Mr Chaytor were representing members of the NUT, NASUWT and ATL. And they were also supported by other teachers' unions.