POLICE officers from Kent were among 10,000 from all over the country who descended on Parliament yesterday to protest over Government plans to cut overtime pay and introduce civilian wardens.

Nine coaches carrying 213 policemen travelled from major stations in the county to the rally organised by The Police Federation.

Chairman of the Kent branch of the federation, Graham Smerdon, who is based in Maidstone, said the officers were angered by Home Secretary David Blunkett's proposals.

He said: "The main thing we have problems with are the plans to give police-like powers to rural wardens.

"Giving them the power to detain people for 30 minutes is not safe for them and confusing to the public. At the end of the day it will be down to us as policemen to clear up the mess that will inevitable ensue."

He also said plans to increase police officers' pay by £400 a year but dramatically cut overtime rates was "unfair".

Mr Smerdon added: "This was an opportunity for Kent officers to give MPs a taste of the truth rather than a diet of Government spin they have been fed up until now."