LECTURERS at Amersham and Wycombe College walked out as students sat exams in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education (NATFHE) called the strike on Tuesday after the union failed to negotiate a better salary for its members.

A spokesman for NATFHE described the 3 per cent pay-offer, available nationally, as "totally inadequate".

The union wants pay for lecturers to be brought into line with teachers.

A college lecturer can earn £19,000 whereas a sixth form teacher with similar experience would earn £22,000.

Lecturers at Amersham and Wycombe college picketed the main gates and lobbied staff and students arriving at the campus on Stanley Hill, Amersham.

Steve Patrick, chairman of NATFHE at the college, said on the picket line: "Students going into exams have been going through but there have been very few cars going onto campus."

He said most people coming onto the site had given their support to the strike.

"People have been very supportive on the whole and it has been the same from students," he said.

"Gradually the message is getting through. What is important is that we get the recognition. We are behind schoolteachers and colleges.

"We have got to the point now where there is a £3,000 difference."

He said people were leaving the profession in droves.

"We are finding it more and more difficult to find qualified staff."

Lecturers at the college were awarded a 1.65 per cent pay-rise in January and were hopeful they would have another 1.65 per cent in July.

Mr Patrick said it was overdue from last year.

Joy Solomon, director of planning for the college, refuted the suggestion that the college was badly affected.

"All our campuses are open and most importantly all the exams are taking place."

"We are aware of the demands. We have increased staff turnover. We are only able, at best, to pay a costs of living allowance. We are not able to fulfil their expectations."