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GV demonstrators carrying banners in procession through streets of Leclerc a Longwy-Bus, eastern France (TWO SHOTS)
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SV children in procession chanting (THREE SHOTS)
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SV crowds of children in square carrying banners (FOUR SHOTS)
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SV children with large banner
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GV large crowd with mock rocket in fore-ground and crowds chanting (TWO SHOTS)
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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Thousands of school children marched in eastern France recently to demand the right to jobs in the future. They also urged the same fight for their parents, many of whom are out of work. Statistics show unemployment in France is now at its highest since World War Two. A recent report from a commission on work in France criticises the National Employment Agency for allegedly failing to do its job properly. The organisers of the children's demonstration called it "the flames of hope".

SYNOPSIS: The children were from the region of Leclerc a Longwy-Bas. The symbolism of flames was chosen because of the connection of fire and iron producing metal for industry. Late last year, almost one and a half million French people were registered as unemployed, and the bitter winter since then has pushed up the figures even further.

These children said they were all keen to have a sound education, and to continue their studies as long as they could for decent qualifications. But they wanted a guarantee that there would be enough jobs for them when they were ready to go out to work.

The organisers had another point. They were concerned for jobs to be available to young people in the regions where they grow up.