STRIKE supporters hired an open-topped tour bus to visit picket lines and show solidarity with workers.

The group of around 30 trade unionists, students, and well-wishers attached flags and banners to a city explorer before taking off on a good- will tour this morning.

They were joined by the Liverpool Socialist Singers at 7.15am outside the University and Colleges Union building, on Oxford Street, with more joining as the journey continued.

Red-clad singers belted out humorous left-wing anthems including Oh I Do Like to Have an Education and Fat Cat, to the tune of Top Cat, accompanied by an accordion.

Drivers, including at least one police patrol car, beeped their horns in support, but there were also jeers from some members of the public.

St Hilda’s High School, near Sefton Park, was the first stop, where teachers were waving placards in support of the pensions strike, followed by Liverpool University, tax and health and safety offices in Bootle, the Royal Liverpool hospital, passport offices on Old Hall Street and Millennium House, on Victoria Street, before meeting up with the march at the Pier Head.

Organiser James, who did not want to give his surname, said: “I’m on my day off, but I see it as really important not just for public sector workers but private sector workers as well. It’s really crucial that all workers get pension reforms scrapped.

“If these guys lose, the 33 unions striking today, it’s going to start a race to the bottom that will affect everyone.

“We organised the bus to visit picket lines, show support, and keep morale up.

“It’s good to see that carnival atmosphere, a bit of life in a picket line.”