Thousands of people have pledged their support for practice nurses across Tendring in their fight to secure fair pay and conditions.

More than a dozen nurses who work at GP surgeries took to the streets of Clacton on Saturday with a petition which will be presented to Parliament.

And shoppers queued up to put their names on paper and talk to the nurses over their claims for a fair deal.

Lynn Williams, who organised the demonstration, said they had been delighted with the response.

"There was tremendous support from everyone on a dull drizzly day. People were signing the petition and taking time out to speak with us and encourage us in what we are doing," she said.

"It gave us a chance to get the message across that practice nurses are not treated the same way as other nurses in the NHS. The pay rises that other nurses are getting are not being given to practice nurses by many of the GPs in this area."

Harwich MP, Ivan Henderson, went along to support the nurses, as did Tendring district and Essex county councillor Roy Smith.

Mr Smith said: "These nurses are on the front line and they should be recognised properly for the work they do."

Mr Henderson is hoping to present the petition to the House of Commons with a delegation from Tendring on February 14.

Demonstration - practice nurses led by Lynn Williams, right, with their petition, at Clacton.

Picture: Terry Weeden

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

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