A teacher excluded from national strike action due to her membership of a different union has matched the sacrifice of her colleagues — by donating a day’s pay to charity.

Kent-based educator Debbie Kershaw could not legally take part in the National Union of Teachers action on Tuesday because she is part of another union.

Her primary school colleagues were among tens of thousands who walked out over attacks on pay, pensions and professional standards by Education Secretary Michael Gove.

They all gave up a day’s pay — so Ms Kershaw matched them by donating her cash to children’s charity NSPCC.

She explained: “They were striking for benefits for every teacher.

“Just because I’m not in the same union and couldn’t strike, I still think you have to show your solidarity and support for them.

“I just thought I could donate my day’s salary to say I’m on your side, thank you for sticking up for my rights, thank you for supporting me.”