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Page last updated at 13:52 GMT, Thursday, 24 April 2008 14:52 UK

Teachers take strike to streets

Child at march

The first teachers' strike in more than two decades meant a day at home for pupils, and many working parents, as teachers took their protest out onto the streets.

Liverpool NUT rally

Members of the National Union of Teachers unfurled banners and marched in the sun and rain through cities and towns up and down England and Wales.

Teachers on a picket line in Leeds

They also formed picket lines outside their workplaces with some handing out leaflets to explain why they were taking action.

Woman with Fair Pay for Teachers stickers on forehead

Teachers, who earn an average salary of £34,000, are demanding a 4.1% pay rise, instead of the 2.45% on offer.

Man holds placard calling for better pay

Without a better deal, fewer graduates will come into the profession and ultimately children will miss out, the NUT says.

Young boy on man's shoulders at NUT march

Critics said the walkout - which affected more than 2.5 million pupils - was badly timed as it comes at a time when many pupils are about to take important exams.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls with two pupils from a school in Kent

Not all schools were affected though. For pupils at Wentworth Primary in Dartford, Kent, it was lessons as normal, except when Schools Secretary Ed Balls dropped in.




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