As part of their first national strike action in 21 years, National Union of Teachers (NUT) members joined their colleagues from across the north east at a regional rally at Grey's Monument in Newcastle.

NUT members voted for industrial action after another below inflation pay rise was offered by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

The walk-out brought disruption to schools and families across Northumberland as many were forced to close for the day, with others being only partially open.

John McCormack, University and College Union (UCU) representative for Northumberland College lecturers, said: "Our members are dedicated to their students but are becoming more and more dissatisfied and frustrated because of the growing pressures on them, brought about by ever-increasing workloads, as well as the continued erosion of their pay and conditions."

In a statement issued earlier this week, Schools Minister Jim Knight expressed his disappointment that NUT and UCU teachers had decided to strike.

"We do understand that some teachers are concerned about pay and workload issues and we are committed to further discussions," Mr Knight said.

"However, it is also clear that the majority of teachers don't want a strike.

"The NUT ballot was backed by less than a quarter of their members – only around one in ten of all teachers.

"None of the other teacher unions has chosen this course.

"We believe that all teachers should be teaching and talking - and not walking out.