Strike action by teachers yesterday was set to cause widespread disruption across Teignbridge as some schools closed and classes were cancelled.

Members of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers and the National Union of Teachers are unhappy about proposed changes to their pension schemes and staged a nationwide protest.

Expected to have closed for the day were Dawlish Community College and the nearby special John Ratcliffe School.

Haytor View, Bradley Barton and Decoy primaries in Newton Abbot were set to shut their gates, as was St Michael's Primary, Kingsteignton.

Exminster primary, Chudleigh primary, St Catherine's Heathfield, Tedburn St Mary and Kenn primary were all expected to be affected.

Year nine and ten students at Coombeshead College, Newton Abbot, were told to stay at home although at Newton Abbot College all students were able to attend but not all lessons were expected to proceed as normal.

They were advised to take homework and books to read.

At South Dartmoor Community College, Ashburton, principal Hugh Bellamy said 'one or two staff' were expected to take action but the college was to remain fully operational.

Striking staff at Teign School, Kingsteignton, meant years seven-11 students were to stay at home although a taster day for year six was due to go ahead.

At Teignmouth Community College students were already expecting a day off as the day had been set aside for staff training.