Some north Essex schools were closed today as teachers went on strike for the first time in 20 years.

Seven Colchester schools were shut to students as teaching staff staged a one-day walk-out over pay and conditions.

They included Sir Charles Lucas Arts College, with 988 pupils, as well as Ardleigh St Mary's Primary, Brightlingsea Infants, Lexden Primary, Mersea Island School, Prettygate Juniors and St Michael's Primary and Nursery.

A further four secondary schools and ten primary schools were also been affected by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) strike.

Members voted for industrial action after the Government proposed a 2.45 per cent pay increase this year, followed by 2.3 per cent rises in 2009 and 2010.

Gerry Glazier, NUT general secretary for Essex, said: "The NUT does not take industrial action lightly, but we feel we have no alternative."

Essex teachers were today due to converge on Chelmsford's County Hall to call for a revised pay deal.

However, critics voiced concerns about the impact of the closures on pupils' education.

Simon Walsh, Essex County Council's cabinet member for education, said: "There is absolutely no doubt that children's education will suffer as a result of the strike action and, given how close we are to the summer exams, the severity of that damage should not be underestimated."

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