PARENTS of Darwen Vale pupils have condemned yesterday's strike by teachers.

Around 69 teachers manned a picket line outside the school yesterday, claiming a lack of support from top management in dealing with troublemakers.

But parent Brian Pearson, 52, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, said: “I think it is ridiculous kids are losing out on their education.

“They shouldn’t have gone on strike. They should have left it to Easter half-term.

"I blame the Government. They shouldn’t have taken punishments away from teachers because nine out of 10 kids know they can get away with it.”

Jackie Baker, 40, Blackburn Road, Darwen, has a son at the school.

She said: “I think it is pathetic. It is daft that they have gone out on strike.

“The kids are losing out on their education.

“I do understand their concerns but I understand kids too. It should not have got to this stage.”

Sandra Chadwick, 56, from Darwen, who has a granddaughter at the school, said: “I can understand why they are striking but I don’t think it should have got to this stage.

“Strike is a drastic action and they want their views to be noticed.”