Rallies were held across Kent as thousands of public sector workers protested over plans to change their pensions.

Hundreds of schools were either closed or partially shut and UK Border Agency staff took part in the walk-out at Dover. There was also a picket line outside HM Customs & Excise SE at Priory Court, St John's Raod, Dover.

The strike yesterday (Wednesday) was organised to oppose changes to pensions. The government wants public services workers to pay 9% of their wages towards their pension. At the moment, they contribute 6%.

Rallies were held in Canterbury, Sittingbourne, Gravesend, Medway and Dover - with a major march and demonstration at County Hall in Maidstone.

Tania Earnshaw, branch secretary of Unison trade union, said: "We hope the public understood our members do not go on strike at the drop of a hat - they are extremely upset. There are no tangible offers on the table. The government is not willing to negotiate.

"A lot of members cannot afford another £50 a month on their pensions. The average pension for a woman in the public sector is £2,800 a year and £4,000 for a man. That is hardly the gold-plated pension the coalition government keeps telling people about."

* See the East Kent Mercury and Dover Mercury for full details, December 8.