ANGRY protesters staged a demonstration outside the GAP clothing shop in Fishergate when it opened at the weekend.

The group, led by Preston councillor Elaine Abbot, were protesting about the company's alleged treatment of workers in third world countries.

Coun Abbot said: "Recently Panorama did an expose programme on television. They showed how GAP use factories in developing countries who make their products then stitch their labels in. But the contractors running the factories are none too fussy about the conditions that the workers live and work in.

"GAP accept that children should be treated decently, but they can't promise their contractors will do that."

Around a dozen people lined the pavement outside the store, which opened its doors to the public on Saturday morning. Among the protesters was ex-deputy leader of Preston Council, Tony Reid, who is now chairman of the Radical Preston protest organisation.

Councillor Abbot said: "I heard GAP were opening up in Fishergate and people agreed we should have a protest. About a dozen people were there, from all different political persuasions and Trade Union backgrounds. I was impressed with the support of many members of the public. Many people had seen the Panorama programme.

"To change the situation, we have to make the public aware of what goes on."