BOTH sides were claiming strong support in the wake of a 24-hour walkout over pay by workers at BAT's Southampton factory.

Striking staff were described as being in buoyant mood following the action, while bosses of the 26-acre Millbrook plant said production continued as normal.

No more pay talks are scheduled and workers plan to strike again on the coming Wednesday and each successive Wednesday until the dispute is resolved.

Amicus union spokesman Mike Budd, who represents 390 members, said: "Considering what we are asking the members to do - give up a whole day's pay - I think it was a brilliant show of support.

"Every member who could took part.

"They are in buoyant mood. No one wants to be doing this but it is the only way left open to us. We are hoping that, having seen the strength of feeling, the company will come and negotiate a decent offer. We await their call."

Amicus members voted to walk out over a 2.6 per cent pay offer and later rejected a revised 5.6 per cent deal spread over two years.

Alan Short, the head of BAT's UK and Ireland operations, said the company had been fair.

"We have continued with production as usual thanks to the enormous support of everyone on site.

"However, we are very disappointed that this has gone ahead.

"It will have caused untold damage to our reputation with customers around the world.

"We have put forward a revised offer which we believe is fair, maintains our competitiveness and provides the basis for getting everyone back to work."