Hundreds of former Wrightbus workers stage protest outside church

By Michael McHugh, PA

Around 500 former Wrightbus employees and their families have held a protest outside a church linked to one of the owners.

Questions have been asked about £15 million donations to the Green Pastures charity from company dividends when the Co Antrim bus manufacturer was profitable.

(Protesters outside Green Pastures church in Ballymena)

Around 1,200 posts were lost after the firm entered administration last week.

Founder Sir William Wright received applause from the workers as he arrived at the church.

Founder of Wrightbus Sir William Wright is met with a round of applause as he arrives at Green Pastures Church in Ballymena. Hundreds of former Wrightbus workers are staging a peaceful protest there this morning. pic.twitter.com/HAfyTvpvW4

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Community police mingled with the demonstrators but the atmosphere was not violent.

Wrightbus had a reputation for building ultra low emissions buses including London's Routemaster double decker when Boris Johnson was mayor.

It went into administration last week following cash flow problems and the failure to find a new owner.

(Protesters outside Green Pastures church in Ballymena during a Sunday Service)