Firefighters take part in national strike action

Firefighters put down their tools today as they walked out on strike over a long running dispute over pensions.

Between 10am and 2pm firefighters from across Maidenhead, Windsor and Slough walked out as they took part in the national strike.

During the four hours, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) reported it received only five emergency calls, of which only one required attendance.

Head of Response at RBFRS, area manager Andy Mancey, said: "I would like to thank the public once again for taking extra care to reduce the risk of fire and for not calling us unnecessarily during the strike period."

Emergency covere was provided while the strike took place, with 11 appliances on hand to answer calls.

It is the fourth time firefighters have gone out on strike since September over the pensions dispute.