THE boss of Britain's public sector workers' union Unison took to the streets of Southampton to launch a membership drive across Hampshire.

Dave Prentis, the general secretary of Unison, dropped into the Civic Centre in the heart of the city yesterday to help kick-start the campaign.

Union bosses will be using adverts on ten of the city's buses to highlight the benefits of union membership to public sector workers.

Mr Prentis said: "People know the role trade unions play in negotiating wages and conditions nationally, but more often than not Unison is able to help people with very real personal situations that affect their daily lives.

"The stories we are presenting in this campaign highlight that work - where Unison is a friend, there at the time in their lives when they need a hand."