HUNDREDS of protesters descended on the town centre this morning in the national strike over pension cuts.

Waving placards and chanting, the thousand-strong crowd took part in a demonstration in Wharf Green before marching along Commercial Road to MECA.

A rally is now being held inside the entertainment complex and afterwards it is expected that the protesters will return to pickets across the town.

A picket line was set up outside the Great Western Hospital and the council offices on Euclid Street this morning.

Other pickets are expected to be set up this afternoon at the Link Centre, the Health Hydro, Swindon Commercial Services depot at the Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, the Central Library, the ambulance station on Fleming Way, Polaris House and the Job Centre Plus.

Union leaders say nearly all everyday services have been hit, with organisations working to maintain emergency services during the action, thought to be the biggest in Swindon since the General Strike of 1926. The strike is estimated to have involved about 7,000 staff from 17 unions in Swindon.

Around 40 schools in the town have closed today as teachers join the picket lines.

For pictures and full report see tomorrow's Adver.

Are you affected by the strikes or are you taking part? If so, leave a comment below.