Shrewsbury 24: Actor Ricky Tomlinson among trade unionists cleared at the Court of Appeal

Members of a group of former trade union activists known as the Shrewsbury 24 have won a legal case to have their names cleared, almost 50 years after being convicted over a strike.

The group - which includes actor Ricky Tomlinson - were charged with various offences after picketing during the 1972 builders' strike.

The Royle Family star - who was jailed for two years - is demanding a public inquiry, after written statements were destroyed.

GMB has described today’s announcement from the High Court as ‘fantastic news’.

Warren Kenny, GMB Acting General Secretary, said: “It’s fantastic news that after nearly half a century of campaigning the convictions of the Shrewsbury 24 have finally been lifted.

“We pay tribute to those who were wrongly convicted and to the campaigners who have worked tirelessly to throw light on the collusion between the building industry and police.

“These pickets were prosecuted just because they had the audacity to ask for better working conditions and fair pay.”