Strike action caused disruption across the county on Thursday as teachers and civil servants walked out in a row over pensions.

More than 50 primary and secondary schools were closed across the Canterbury and Faversham area.

Staff at Canterbury prison also formed a picket line outside the building.

Colin Reynolds, 48, a prison guard in Canterbury said: “They’re asking us to pay more, work longer and get less. With a three-year pay freeze we just can’t afford to do it.”

The strike was met with mixed reaction by shoppers in Canterbury.

Hannah Stedman, 17 of St Augustine’s Road, Canterbury is a full-time student, and backed the protest.

She said: “From what I know I’d say the pensions are pretty bad for what teachers do. They have every right to protest and I agree they should.”

But Mark Bedford, 30, a Canterbury charity worker, said: “I don’t think the strikes are something that will be very productive. They won’t do anything to help the future of this country because it won’t change the situation we’re in now. We need to focus on our children’s education, not money.”

See next week's Gazette for full report and reaction.