UNION bosses marched for the campaign to stop the closure of East Lancashire care homes -- and said they would name and shame any councillors who failed to back them.

A trade union rally took place this weekend to back care workers in their bid to keeping the homes open ahead of a final decision by county council bosses on Thursday.

Steve O'Donnell, of the Burnley Trades Union Council, said they would flypost pictures of any of Burnley's county councillors who supported the closure at this week's vote.

The promise came as the Burnley Trades Union Council headed the Saturday morning rally which started off at Burnley's Peace Gardens.

They have been petitioning and leafleting in the past few weeks, including at the TUC Congress in Blackpool.

Coun Gordon Birtwistle addressed the rally, which was attended by more than 100 people, and said: "I am trying to assist in keeping these old folks homes open for both the present generation and the future generations.

"It is disgraceful that in the year 2002 we, as a country, can drop bombs which cost thousands of pounds a time yet we cannot afford to look after our old people."

After the rally there was a short march to the town hall where the petition -- signed by more than 5,000 people -- was handed in to council leader Stuart Caddy.

The petition calls on Burnley councillors and county councillors to do all in their power to oppose a net reduction in the quality and quantity of public sector care for older people.

A spokesman for Burnley Trades Union Council said: "We are responsible for care workers and need to keep the pressure on Lancashire County Council to reach the right decision for Burnley people.

"We are saying there should be no net loss of public sector provisions for the elderly people in the area.

"This is an opportunity for those who share our view of the need for quality, public care for the elderly to come out in support of the unions involved and the majority of public opinion.

"We would like councillors who share our view on this matter to receive the petition and make any remarks they see fit.

"This invitation is open to all borough councillors and county councillors.

"The Trades Council sees this issue as one where the broadest possible unity of progressive forces can be key to success."