A DAY of discontent caused severe disruption yesterday as teachers, college lecturers and civil servants took part in the country's biggest wave of strikes for a decade.

Union bosses last night estimated that 70 per cent of schools in the region were affected by the industrial action.

A survey by The Northern Echo confirmed that about 300 schools in the North-East and North Yorkshire were forced to close for the day.

A further 200 cancelled some classes.

Members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) were joined in the walkout by lecturers from the University and College Union (UCU).

Picket lines were formed outside colleges throughout the region.

Civil servants from the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) also walked out in a separate dispute over pay.

PCS chiefs reported that jobcentres in the region opened yesterday, but ran a "virtually non-existent" service.

Staff at the two Land Registry offices in Durham City walked out at lunchtime.

The strike also affected Driving Standards Agency test centres.

All driving tests in Darlington were cancelled, while others centres ran reduced schedules.

Home Office and DVLA offices in Newcastle were also affected, along with the Child Support Agency at Longbenton, Newcastle.

About 500 members and officials from all three striking unions gathered for a rally at Grey's Monument, Newcastle, yesterday afternoon.

Union bosses told the rally that the co-ordinated walkout had been a huge success.

Tanya Walker, North Yorkshire Department of Work and Pensions PCS branch secretary, said the support for the strike from members of her union had been remarkable.

She said: "Members have continued to work tirelessly in our communities to provide quality services with pride and commitment, yet they are rewarded with effective pay cuts as inflation exceeds pay rises."

Ian Grayson, Newcastle NUT secretary, told the rally: "The reason we have taken this strike is the children. Well-motivated secure teachers, who can afford to live, will provide a good environment for children to learn in."

He added: "This is the fourth year of below-inflation pay rises and we are saying enough is enough."

However, parents, who were forced to take the day off work or make alternative childcare arrangements, were unsympathetic.

Maria Boyle took the day off to look after her daughter, Hannah, who attends St Bede's Primary, in Darlington.

She said: "I feel teachers get lots of time off work anyway.

"The kids only went back to school this week after two weeks' holiday."

The Prime Minister described the strike as "regrettable and unjustifiable".

Union officials have threatened further strikes if their pay demands are not met.