ALMOST 700 Avon and Somerset Constabulary officers marched in Whitehall yesterday in a pay protest against the Government.

ALMOST 700 Avon and Somerset Constabulary officers marched in Whitehall yesterday in a pay protest against the Government.

More than 100 officers caught coaches from Weston at 6.30am to join other colleagues in the force to object to the Home Office's decision not to backdate their pay from September last year.

Last week the Government further angered the Police Federation, which represents officers from the rank of constable up to chief inspector, by agreeing a separate deal with Unison, which represents police staff.

Weston town centre sergeant Pete Land, who will be going on the march, said: "We are very grateful to UNISON for their support. The decision to backdate police staff's pay without it being staged undermines the Government's argument with regards to pay awards offered not only to us but prison officers, nurses and the fire officers too."

"Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has treated us with total contempt and as a result we no longer have any confidence in her.

"All of us attending are going on our own time as we are keen to ensure there is no negative impact on local policing."

Nationally, the Police Federation has called on Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to resign over the debacle.

Their pay will be backdated, but a union spokesman said: "The Government is wrong to treat police officers and staff differently.