Sheffield rally over government spending cuts

A mass rally has taken place in South Yorkshire in protest at public spending cuts.

Workers, students and union representatives gathered to join the demonstration held at Sheffield town hall.

Chancellor George Osborne announced deep public spending cuts on Wednesday.

The Yorkshire and Humber TUC, which has called the rally, said the cuts could lead to up to 50,000 job losses in the Yorkshire region.

Regional TUC secretary Bill Adams said: "It is important to demonstrate the strength of opposition to the government's swingeing cuts agenda.

"Already in the Yorkshire region 100 school rebuilding projects have been scrapped, 20 public libraries face closure and, according to government figures, 50,000 jobs could go in the area."

The government says the cuts are necessary to reduce the UK's £155bn deficit and strengthen the UK's economy in the long term. It aims to save £83bn in four years.