FIREFIGHTERS across County Durham returned to work after a seventh period of strike action.

The industrial action by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) on Christmas Eve ran from 7pm to midnight and related to the ongoing national dispute between the union and the Government over pension scheme proposals.

During this five-hour period, firefighters attended three minor incidents. Stuart Errington, deputy chief fire officer, said: "Once again our resilience plans have worked well and I would like to thank people in County Durham and Darlington for taking extra care especially when there are extra pressures at Christmas time."

Further strike action is planned for December 31 between 6.30pm and and 12.30am the following day and January 3 from 6.30am until 8.30am.