THOUSANDS of pupils had the day off yesterday as teachers' strike action closed all of Teignbridge's main secondary schools.

The widespread support for the protest over pensions, pay and working conditions was welcomed by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) who called the industrial action together with the NASUWT.

Hundreds of teachers stayed away from their classrooms as part of a nationwide bid to have their pay increased, their pensions fairly evaluated and working conditions improved.

Secondary schools forced to close their doors were Newton Abbot's Coombeshead Academy and Newton Abbot College; Teign School, Kingsteignton; South Dartmoor Community College, Ashburton; and Teignmouth Community School.

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