HAMPSHIRE police officers are to stage a mass protest in London after they voted overwhelmingly to reject Government proposals on pay and allowances.

The officers will join others from around the country at a rally day on March 13 to lobby MPs against the proposals.

Results of the police ballot, released last week, showed that nearly 80 per cent of Hampshire officers turned out at the polling booths to register their views, and 92 per cent of these said no to the proposed changes, which will now go to the advisory, conciliation and arbitration service.

The main reasons for rejecting the proposals were plans to reduce overtime pay and insufficient detail in the package.

Basingstoke sergeant Keith Ward, who is vice-chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, said the turnout was very high.

"The number of Hampshire officers who voted 'no' was amazing," he said.

"They have shown a lack of trust in the Government because there was a lot of pressure to come to a decision in quite a short time."