Strike action by secondary school teachers has moved a step closer after union members voted to fight a proposed pay deal.

The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) unanimously backed taking industrial action over a £45m package of cuts, which includes a two-year pay freeze.

The deal has been accepted by Scotland's largest teaching union, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), a decision which was bitterly attacked by SSTA president Peter Wright.

Speaking after the conference in Peebles on Friday, Mr Wright said: "I think it's fair to say that there are a significant number of disappointed teachers in the SSTA, and disappointed teachers in the EIS as well.

"Disappointed and astonished that a trade union could do this kind of thing."

He added that teachers were "extremely angry" about the pay deal put forward by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) and the Scottish Government.

He said: "I think the motion calling for members to consider industrial action being passed unanimously speaks volumes about the way our members are feeling."

Education Secretary Michael Russell attacked the decision, saying: "Industrial action is not going to help teachers, pupils or our education system.

"No-one is delighted by the settlement that has been agreed, but in light of the budget cuts being forced on us by the UK Government, I believe it is the best possible deal, and a deal that secures important commitments to further reduce teacher unemployment.

"This has now been agreed by the majority of teachers and I am keen that we now look forward."

EIS 'ignored ballots'

As the largest organisation, the EIS's decision is expected to be ratified by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers.

Earlier, Mr Wright gave a presidential address in which he said the EIS "totally ignored the results of ballots conducted by ourselves and other teaching unions".

He said: "I would never want to be part of a trade union which sought to abandon vulnerable groups of members. The SSTA will stand by its members."

Mr Wright also criticised Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) - another matter of concern for members.

He said: "We now have a curriculum which is not a curriculum. It is possessed of experiences and outcomes which are not fit for purpose.

"CfE is quite simply unfinished business for the SSTA and we will not let go until our members tell us to do so."