THEY were walking for pride, honour and principle. More than 370 Hampshire police officers made their plea for a fair pay deal heard when they marched through the capital yesterday.

Joining a sea of white caps sporting the Police Federation logo, the men and women of all ranks in the force took to the streets of London alongside their colleagues from across the UK. Their mission - to demonstrate their frustration at unfair treatment and demand fair and transparent pay arrangements.

Early yesterday morning eight coaches departed police stations around the county, filled with off-duty officers who had taken holiday and lieu time to take part in one of the biggest rallies London has seen in years.

Hundreds of officers on duty from the Met, as well as stewards, lined the route of the march, which brought disruption but no trouble to London.

Speaking after the rally, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation Geoff Crowe said: "Today we have seen thousands more police officers than ever predicted here to demonstrate together for one reason. This was not about money but about principle. It was about letting the Government know how angry and let down we are and telling them this is not an issue that will go away quietly."

See today's Daily Echo for the full story.