FIREFIGHTERS across the region are to hold a mass rally in a show of support for their pay claim.

Up to 1,000 firefighters from across the region are expected to demonstrate outside the Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade headquarters, in Pilgrim Street, Newcastle.

The rally, on Monday morning, should attract firefighters from stations as far apart as Darlington and Berwick.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is in dispute with local authority employers and is pressing for a near 40 per cent rise, taking the salary of the average firefighter to £30,000.

So far, this has been rejected by employers, who have offered a four per cent rise, subject to a wide ranging review of the fire service.

Ballot papers are being sent to FBU members on September 27, with the overwhelming majority expected to vote in favour of strike action.

The Northern Echo reported yesterday how there are fears calls could go ignored should firefighters strike.

Servicemen and women from the Army, RAF and Navy, are being drafted in to man 1950s' Green Goddess fire tenders in case of action. It is thought such a make-shift force will be stretched to provide the same level of cover.

Steve Gregg, regional chairman of the FBU, said: "I have been a firefighter for 24 years - I have never been on strike and don't want to.

"But the money most of us earn is just not enough."

Mr Gregg said those attending the rally would be lobbying a meeting of the Tyne and Wear Fire Authority which is taking place on Monday.

Councillor Peter Young, chairman of the Tyne and Wear Fire Authority, said the authority agreed that firefighters were underpaid for the range of job functions they performed.

But he hoped that the issue of pay could be resolved without resort to strike action.