TEACHERS have gone on strike over plans to replace their school with a privately-sponsored academy.

Forty members of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) from Belmont School, in Durham City, are staging a one-day walkout today.

Simon Kennedy, NASUWT regional organiser, said his members had been left with no alternative but to withdraw their labour.

Durham County Council wants to close Belmont School and Durham Gilesgate Sports College and Sixth Form Centre, replacing them with a new-build academy, co-sponsored by Durham County Council and the Durham Excellence in Education Partnership, led by Durham University.

The council says it is disappointing industrial action is being taken before talks planned for later this month.

Full story and pictures in tomorrow's The Northern Echo