CAMPAIGNERS staged a four-mile trek across the Humber Bridge and back today to raise funds to honour the “Headscarf Revolutionaries” whose action saved the lives of hundreds of trawler workers.

In 1968, Hull suffered the “Triple Trawler Tragedy,” when in just a few weeks, three fishing vessels sank with the loss of 58 lives.

Health and safety protections on trawlers were almost non-existent at the time and one of those that sunk had no radio.

Lillian Bilocca, Christine Jenson, Mary Denness and Yvonne Blenkinsop, all from local fishing families, responded by organising a campaign for the introduction of safety regulations.

Led by Ms Bilocca, the four women drew up a charter of measures to be implemented through legislation and launched a campaign of direct action, defying resistance from some parts of the fishing industry.

They gathered 10,000 signatures on a petition and threatened to picket the home of then Labour prime minister Harold Wilson if their demands were not met.

Their victory established safety regulations for fishing vessels which are now international.

All of the women, nicknamed the Headscarf Revolutionaries, have since died, but funds are now being raised for a commemorative statue honouring them.

Today, two groups, Headscarf Pride and Fitmums, staged a Headscarf Hustle across the Humber Bridge and back. It included the city’s two Labour MPs, Emma Hardy and Diana Johnson.

Organiser Ian Cuthbert said: “It was very cold and wet. There was a good 150 who turned up.

“They all wore pink headscarves. One side of the bridge was shut down for us. We are planning more events in the future.”