DISGRUNTLED college staff welcomed new principal Colin Booth on his first day with a lunch time protest and plans for a strike.

It was part of a campaign to get head of computing and engineering Bob Willerton reinstated by protesting outside the Old Mill Lane site on Wednesday with 'Bring Bob Back' t-shirts and stickers.

Lecturers will also bring the college to a standstill on Tuesday when they stage a one day walk out in response to former principlal Paula Whittle and her senior management team's decision to dismiss Mr Willerton for giving a colleague another chance rather than sacking him.

A ballot on strike action closed last Thursday with 86 per cent of branch members voting in favour.

Dave Gibson, branch secretary UCU, said: "We are calling on every member to strike on Tuesday so that we can bring the college to a standstill. As well as striking we want as many members as possible to picket or attend the rally we will hold that morning."

A spokesperson for Barnsley College said: "The college is extremely disappointed at any activity that seeks to disrupt the education of its learners whatever the reasons for such action. However, in the event of a strike it will be business as usual at Barnsley College.

"All money saved from the non-payment of salaries to strikers will be used to both make a contribution to the student union and to establish a number of bursaries for learners this year."