STRIKE action over school funding was discussed by teachers at the final meeting of the Bolton-branch of the National Union of Teachers.

The last ever general meeting was called by the branch, which at the start of next year will become the National Education Union, following a merger with the union Association of Lecturers and Teachers.

Among the issues up for debate included the indicative strike ballot of members taking place now.

The indicative ballot will be used to put pressure on the government to increase school funding and will lead to a formal ballot if there is sufficient support.

Members spoke about the affect budgetary pressures were having on schools now.

Julia Simpkins, branch secretary said: "We discussed the indicative strike ballot about funding and pay to see if teachers would take action.

"Schools are already stretched and have already cut back, including support assistants in class, which provide one-to-one support for children who need it, provide a range of skills such as a lab technicians in secondary schools because they can no longer afford it. Photocopying is being limited in some schools to save money.

"In Cuba 50 per cent of GDP is spent on education, with classes having no more than 25 children. The results are excellent and we come back to this country and we can't afford education.

"This is our children's future we are talking about."

She added: "This is the first time the government has not implemented the School Teachers' Review Body pay recommendation in full."

Union members heard about how education can transform lives through its guest speakers, two members of the Rohingya community, who were born in refugee camps in Bangladesh.

They were lucky enough to get a new start in this country. Now cousins Sirazul Islam, aged 17 and Salah Uddin, aged 22, are looking forward to bright futures.

Ms Simpkins said: "They came to England five years ago and now Sirazul, who is studying for his A-levels, wants to be a lawyer so he can help others and Salah is an ambassador speaking about the Rohingya community through a lump sum provided by the National Union of Teachers.

"They are both amazing young men who are helping to make a difference and are thrilled to have an education in England, with many in the camp having no prospect of an education."