The majority of public services continued to function in South Norfolk today, despite being hit by strike action.

Council workers gathered at the picket line at the South Norfolk Council headquarters in Long Stratton to protest over proposed government changes to public sector pensions.

A spokesman for the district council said that around 25pc of its workforce went on strike, but the walkout had caused 'minimal' disruption and householders' bins were still emptied on schedule.

South Norfolk Council Leader John Fuller said: 'Our staff have collectively demonstrated a commitment to our residents in the best traditions of public service by keeping services going. Public Service Pensions are a thorny issue that must be resolved. Now the strike is over, we need to settle this to prevent further disruption and acrimony. '

In Diss, the Jobcentre Plus building remained open, but clients were warned to face delays because of the impact of the strike on staffing numbers.

Libraries in Attleborough, Diss, Harleston, Long Stratton and Wymondham also remained open as usual.

Dozens of schools in south Norfolk closed as a result of the industrial including Archbishop Sancroft High School in Harleston, Attleborough High School, Attleborough Infant School, Attleborough Junior School, Burston Community Primary School, Chapel Road School in Attleborough, Dickleburgh Primary School, Diss Junior School, Diss High School, Diss Infants and Nursery School with Children's Centre, Forncett St Peter Primary School, Garboldisham Primary School, Harleston Primary School, Hempnall Primary School, Hethersett High School, Hethersett Junior School, Hethersett Woodside Infant and Nursery School, Hingham Primary School, Kenninghall Primary School, Long Stratton High School, Morley Primary School, Old Buckenham Community Primary School, Pulham Primary School, Roydon Primary School, Rocklands Community Primary School, Tacolneston Primary School, Tivetshall Primary School, Wicklewood Primary School and Wymondham College.

Old Buckenham High School was also closed, but will open for its school production of Uncle Herbert's Empire at 7.30 pm tonight.

Robert Kett Junior School was open to just seven classes and Wymondham High School was open for Year 11 examinations, Year 12 lessons and Sixth Form private study.