A TRIBUNAL will resume today into claims that a firefighter was dismissed for standing up for colleagues as a union representative.

Michael Coakley, 50, says he was punished by being transferred from Sunderland Central fire station, where he worked for 30 years, for defending a colleague accused of using racial abuse.

The move to Washington brought on depression which resulted in his compulsory dismissal by the Tyne and Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority.

Mr Coakley, of Lynthorpe, Ryhope, Sunderland, told the tribunal in Newcastle, on Friday: "What happened to me during 1999 took a greater toll than any of the disasters and tragedies I have seen because it struck at the very heart of my relationship with my colleagues, not only on the watch, but throughout the brigade."

Mr Coakley, who is alleging unfair dismissal and discrimination by the brigade, denies being an extremist and said he discharged his union role in a responsible manner.

A staunch anti-racist, he stood by station officer Marshall Ramshaw, believing the allegations against him to be untrue.

Mr Ramshaw, 50, of Houghton-le-Spring, who also alleges unfair dismissal and discrimination, is expected to testify today in the five-day hearing