SCHOOLS across Bolton are to close for a day during a 24-hour national strike by local government workers, union leaders claim.

Hundreds of school staff -- including school meal supervisors and cleaners-- are expected to walkout on strike for better pay on July 17.

The action is the first national strike since the "Winter of Discontent" 23 years ago.

The nationwide strike organised by the three local authority unions Unison, the General Municipal and Boiler Workers union and the Transport and General Workers union, could result in more than 5,000 Bolton Metro workers, ranging from roadsweepers to social services staff, not turning up for work on July 17.

Union chiefs though have pledged that vital services -- where lives may be put at risk as a result of the action -- will not be affected.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "It is likely that some schools will be closed on July 17 because of the action by Unison, T & G and GMB.

"It will be a headteacher decision whether or not to close. They've got to take into account whether they can sustain health, safety and welfare of the pupils for a full school day.

"It is likely that a number of schools will close."

The spokesman added that it is too early for the council to establish how many schools may be forced to close or what impact the strike will have on council services as a whole. eadteachers who decide to close for the day, though, will have to report their decision to the council.

School chiefs were today still assessing what affect the strike may have on their individual schools. Tony Hill, headteacher The Deane Schoo, Bolton, said there are "several" Unison members on his staff so the strike would have an "impact" on his school. But he stressed the school will not close.

The unions are campaigning for either a six per cent pay rise or a payment of £1,750 in addition to a minimum wage of £11,000 for local government workers. Workers have so far been offered a three per cent pay rise.