HUNDREDS OF lecturers and support staff at colleges across East Lancashire went on strike today after a row over pay and conditions.

They joined 60,000 further education college staff across the country for a national walk-out.

Colleges affected included Accrington and Rossendale, Burnley, Nelson and Colne and Blackburn.

NATFHE is the main union at Blackburn College with more than 300 members and 80 per cent joined the picket with members from smaller teaching union ATL.

John Easton, branch chairman for Blackburn College, said: "It is not just about low pay for lecturers but about low pay for support staff. Across the country 60 per cent earn under £13,000 a year."