ORGANISERS of an annual trades unions rally are predicting a good turnout at the weekend due to recent job losses.

The event, being run by the Middlesbrough Trade Union Council, is aimed at raising the profile of trade unions, with each year's having a different theme and location.

This year, it will focus on defending jobs and services in the area, following recent job cuts at Corus and Cammell Laird. It will begin at the Bottle of Notes at 10am on Saturday, from where participants will embark on a march around the town. They will finish at Cleveland Trade Union and Unemployed Workers' Centre, Marton Road, when Arthur Scargill will be the main speaker.

Ian Elcoate, secretary of the Trade Union Council, said: "I think this year's will be particularly poignant, and we hope the turnout will reflect that."