CAMPAIGNERS calling for better pensions staged demonstrations in Brighton and Hove today.

One group, protesting at Churchill Square, was moved on by security guards as they had not applied for permission to use the privately-owned square.

But they continued handing out leaflets from the pavement nearby.

They are angry because the Government is increasing the old age pension by just 75p this year.

Former mayor Sheila Schaffer said: "I hoped the Government would be ashamed of the 75p increase but it is not. It is fobbing us of with a £100 fuel payment instead."

The pensioners paraded with placards saying: "We are a rich and powerful country but our pension is one of the lowest in Europe."

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University lecturer Connie Fraser, of Carlyle Street, Brighton, said: "We want a proper pension."

There was also a demonstration by pensioners in George Street, Hove.

Isla Robertson, 66, chair of Brighton and Hove Pensioners' Association, said: "We want to see the link between pensions and average earning removed by Thatcher restored."

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