Schools across Oxfordshire could be forced to shut if teachers back strike action in a row over pay, union leaders warned tonight.

Local representatives of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) have decided to support a vote in favour of walking out in protest at what they claim is a below-inflation pay offer.

The Committee of the Oxfordshire Division of the NUT last week supported a recommendation to vote for strike action.

Chris Blakey, president of Oxfordshire NUT, said all 2,750 of its members would be encouraged to vote in favour of striking on Thursday April 24.

He said: "Teachers are angry with the pay cut which they are having to suffer for the third year in succession.

"Discussions in Oxfordshire classrooms indicate that for the first time in 20 years there is the likelihood of teachers nationally going on strike, which will mean that many schools in Oxfordshire will be closed on that day."

He said teachers had been given a 2.45 per cent increase from September when the Retail Price Index was running at about four per cent.

A spokesperson for the Department of Children, Schools and Families described the award as "fair and responsible", adding: "We are disappointed by the NUT's decision to ballot their members, which can only achieve disruption to children's learning."