Staff at Southern Counties Radio joined thousands of their colleagues in a nationwide BBC strike.

Journalists and technicians walked out in protest at plans to axe 4,000 jobs at the corporation.

They formed a picket line outside their offices in Queen's Road, Brighton, and waved placards and posters.

Television and radio workers across the country are planning to stage a 48-hour strike after the next bank holiday and a one-day stoppage in June.

Yesterday's strike disrupted key programmes, with only a few presenters, including Terry Wogan and DJ Chris Moyles, crossing picket lines.

Director general Mark Thompson said the job cuts were necessary to prepare the corporation for a hi-tech future and invest more in programmes.

BBC bosses have offered to talk with unions about the changes but employees are asking for "proper negotiations".