Sussex college lecturers today walked out of their classrooms to join a national strike over pay.

Dozens of tutors lined the A259, outside Northbrook College, West Durrington, Worthing, to protest against a 2.3 per cent pay rise.

The strike, organised by Unison and the National Association for Teachers in Further and Higher Education, was said to be the first of its kind.

The protesters at Northbrook were to join tutors from across Sussex at a rally in Brighton later today.

Business studies lecturer John Bateman said the pay rise offer was "derisory" when compared to what school teachers earned.

He said: "The further education sector has been let down by the Government and the protests are to get funded properly."

Northbrook's dean of academic standards, Oliver Hawkins, said it was unfortunate the college would suffer as a result.

He said: "On the one hand, we are very sympathetic. There is no question salary levels have fallen behind in the further education sector.

"What we do regret is the fact strike action can only directly affect the college."

More than 500 teaching and support staff from Sussex Downs College cancelled lessons at the Hailsham, Eastbourne, Newhaven and Lewes campuses to demand more pay.

They were joined by many colleagues from Hastings College, although students went in as usual.

The strike is believed to have affected at least 10,000 full and part-time students in East Sussex.

Keith Leech, chairman of the Hastings branch of NATFHE said: "Until it addresses low pay, the Government cannot meet its existing targets and certainly can't expect any more of Further Education staff."

Lecturers at City College Brighton and Hove in Pelham Street, Brighton, did not join the strike but support staff who are members of Unison did.

The support staff, who work in the canteen, library and some technicians, campaigned outside the college today.

City College Brighton and Hove continued to operate despite the action.

A spokesman said: "Teaching is taking place as normal."

The protesters remained outside the college until noon, when they moved to Brighton Town Hall to join other members of Unison and NAFTHE from around the county.