Hundreds of people turned out for a march and demonstration to try to save Birmingham's HP Sauce factory from closure.

More than 100 workers face losing their jobs next year because owner Heinz plans to switch production of the sauce from the factory in Aston to Holland.

HP workers were joined by politicians, union activists and other supporters as they marched through Aston on Saturday, waving banners while supported by a brass band.

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The crowds were addressed at Aston Park before they set off by Khalid Mahmood, MP for Perry Barr.

"This is about the workers, this is about the people of Aston and the people of Birmingham. We cannot let a company like Heinz, who only came in nine months ago, walk away with the silver," he said.

"They bought the company purely for the order book. What we are doing is making sure we are putting up a proper fight to deal with this.

"I have met the Prime Minister and the Chancellor on this issue and am arranging a meeting with the Trade and Industry Secretary to show Heinz what support there is."

Martin Rodway, a worker at the factory said: "I've done 16 years of work at HP and I want to carry on. It's as simple as that.

"It's just a little factory but if you talk to anyone they know where it is, what it does and what it means to his town. Just to shut it down like that is heartbreaking."

Alan Howe, a colleague added: "It would be devastating if it closed. I'm the main breadwinner for my family so financially it would make us a lot worse off so I'm hoping it's not going to come to closure."

Retired Ray Egan, also known as patriotic campaigner John Bull, said: "We need to be more like the French! We need to be more militant because it's the only way you get things done.

"We should have blockaded the city and shown that we're not to be messed with.

"Everyone around the region should wake up and ask themselves what this means for future generations."

Charlotte Smith, aged 35, a young mother from Birmingham resplendent in an HP sauce flag, said she was there to support friends who work at the factory.

"I thought there would be more people here, but hope-fully this show will be enough bad publicity to make Heinz realise we're serious."

When the march reached the gates of the building, a well known landmark in the local area, Jack Dromey, deputy general secretary of the Transport and General Work-ers Union, spoke to the workers.

"What's happened is an absolute disgrace. In 2005 when Heinz bought this factory from Danone they said to the workers your future is secure," he said.

"One year later they want to break that promise. Is this factory inefficient, unproductive or losing them money?

"No, this is an excellent factory with an excellent workforce who have served this city, this nation and the company well over many, many years.

He added: "HP is a British icon.

"The workers of HP are the sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters of other HP workers. They have worked at this factory which has put that bottle of sauce on our teatime tables for 100 years and we must ensure it's there for the next 100 years."