FIVE sackings sparked a strike at a Didcot toy company in June 1979.

Nearly 20 workers at Selected Toys, which manufactured dart boards, walked out after their colleagues were made redundant, three of whom were let go without notice.

Spokesperson Mary Aitken, one of the five who were sacked, claimed they were being victimised by management for joining the Transport and General Workers' Union in the non-union factory.

Mrs Aitken added the pickets were also protesting low pay, which she claimed was £16 for a 40-hour week.

Managing director, Bernard Young, denied the dismissals related to union membership and said the world recession in trade meant it was necessary to 'reluctantly' lay some people off.