Temperatures may have been low but spirits were high as strikers lined up at 7am against the NHS pay freeze.

Pickets at over 100 sites reported an upswell of public support as motorists heading for work honked their horns in appreciation at the vital life-saving work of health staff.

More than 50 strikers stood outside Darlington Memorial Hospital, including members of Unison, GMB and members of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) — some taking action for the first time.

Local RCM steward Claire Knapp said: “It is unfortunate we have had to take these measures.

“We are just asking for what the independent pay review board has recommended.”

Pickets displayed posters pointing to MPs’ decision to give themselves a 10 per cent pay increase while denying even the 1 per cent pay increase recommended for NHS staff by the independent pay review board.

Unison northern region convener Clare Williams said strikers had been boosted by “great support from the public.”

She added: “The strength of feeling is such that we are left with no other choice — NHS staff deserve to be treated fairly.”

Union members held placards outside Calder Royal hospital in Halifax, West Yorkshire, where Unison local organiser Richard Dunbar told the Morning Star: “The public at large are supporting the call for the 1 per cent pay rise.

“We need the government to listen to the wider community. They need to listen to NHS workers.”