FIREFIGHTERS across the region took part in strike action last night (Tuesday, December 31) as part of their long-running dispute with the Government over pension changes.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) manned picket lines, including several outside Durham Fire Station and HQ in Durham City (pictured), after they walked out between 6.30pm on New Years Eve and 12.30am today (Wednesday).

FBU General Secretary, Matt Wrack, said: "None of us wanted these strikes, but firefighters on duty over the festive period don't have much to celebrate this year as they are being priced out of their pensions and face the sack because the Government can't accept that 60-year-old men and women can't meet the same fitness standards as 20-year-olds."

The union said most firefighters who take home approximately £1,650 a month already pay £320 or more a month into their pensions, and from April 2014 this would rise for the third year in a row to more than £340 a month.

Mr Wrack added: "It's time the Government came back with a realistic offer instead of the unworkable proposals they continue to peddle."

A further strike across England and Wales is scheduled for between 6.30am and 8.30am on Friday (January 3).