Rallies will be held across Kent today as thousands of public sector workers protest over plans to change their pensions.

Hundreds of schools will be either closed or partially shut and it is expected there will be distruption at the Port of Dover.

UK Border Agency staff are expected to take part in the walk-out at Dover, with long delays predicted at passport control.

It could be the biggest strike since the General Strike of 1926.

So far, at least 220 schools in Kent are set to stay closed or partly closed during the industrial action. In Medway, around 80 schools will be closed or part closed.

Hospital staff may also walk out, while local services including libraries and waste collections will also be affected.

The strike has been 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 will be held in Canterbury, Sittingbourne, Gravesend, Medway and Dover - with a major march and demonstration at County Hall in Maidstone.

Graphic: Kent rallies in the day of industrial action

Tania Earnshaw, branch secretary of Unison trade union, said: "We hope the public will understand 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."

Arriva buses will also be affected by the strike.

The rally in Maidstone is expected to "cause disruption to a large number of bus services in the area which will be diverted away from the main bus stops in the Maidstone East, Pudding Lane, High Street and King Street area for the duration of the march."

A full list of journeys affected and the alternative routings is on the Arriva website.

The Conservative minister Michael Gove has accused union leaders of "wanting" to wreck economic recovery and cause public misery.

Are you caught up in the strikes? Are you joining the picket lines, or are you a parent having to take time off work? Send us your stories by clicking on the comment button, or email us pictures or audio tomultimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk.