SEVENTY-FIVE North Yorkshire Police officers joined more than 22,000 of their colleagues from across the UK for a protest over pay.

The off-duty officers took part in a two-hour march through the heart of Westminster, organised by the Police Federation, to give police a chance to demonstrate their frustration over the pay row.

Many officers are openly calling for the right to strike for the first time following Home Secretary Jacqui Smith's announcement that she will pay officers a 2.5 per cent pay rise backdated to December, instead of September 2007, when negotiations began - effectively reducing it to 1.9 per cent.

Mark Botham, chairman of the North Yorkshire Police Federation, said: "It was an absolutely brilliant day. We met six of our MPs and a member of the House of Lords and we've really raised the profile of the issue.

"We are still calling on the Government to back down. If they don't, then there is already a judicial review under way and the next thing will be a vote on the right to strike.

"The fact police officers in Scotland have been given the rise in full when their colleagues in England, Wales and Northern Ireland haven't is a disgrace "We want to put pressure on the Government to pay us in full what we deserve and that is why so many of our officers have taken time off to protest in London, mindful that they are representing their colleagues who remain behind on duty to ensure the people of North Yorkshire continue to receive an efficient public service."

Sergeant Mal Taylor, who has been with the police force for nearly 30 years, said: "It was a cracking day. We don't think it's going to change the world, but we had to take a stand. There were 22,000 there which is one in five officers nationally.

"At the stroke of the pen the Home Secretary has ridiculed the police service."

Police officer Margo Burgess said the 2.5 per cent pay rise made her feel unappreciated for her work.

"I just hope we will be listened to," she said. "The amount they have offered us is a complete disgrace. I enjoy policing, but I feel unappreciated."

Acting Detective Sergeant, Steve Menzis added: "The Government need to get the message that fair pay to the police is paramount. When in a crisis, they are very quick to praise us; this needs to be reflected in our pay. We want what is rightfully ours."

After the rally Police Federation chairman Jan Berry had a meeting with the Home Secretary.

A federation spokesman said: "It was a more constructive meeting than the one last week, and the Home Secretary said she had seen the strength of feeling with the numbers that attended the march and heard what was being said.

"She made clear this would be borne in mind when looking at the 2008/09 negotiations and the possibility of a multi-year deal. The federation made clear there was still unfinished business."