WE should have been told sooner.

That was the overwhelming thought of workers at a Hampshire firm who are demanding to know why those charged with guarding their pension fund kept them in the dark about a £55m black hole.

More than 40 past and present employees of APW Electronics showed the true strength of feeling over the decimation of their hard-earned pensions when they turned out in force at a hastily arranged meeting in a pub.

Many are still trying to come to terms with the devastating news that their retirement funds had been wiped out by up to 80 per cent.

Some are facing the bleak possibility of being forced to sell their homes while others are trying to figure out how they can fund their children through university.

All share an unthinkable anger, knowing they will never get their hands on pensions they have contributed thousands of pounds to for years. Now they are calling for answers from the trustees who made the decision to wind up the scheme in a bid to keep APW afloat three months ago - and are demanding to know why they were not consulted.

See pages two and three of tonight's Daily Echo for mote on this story.