Striking firefighters in Northampton were stunned when a well-wisher walked up to their picket line and handed them a �7,000 donation.

The benefactor wished to remain anonymous, but firefighters at The Mounts fire station said they were very grateful.

The Northamptonshire firefighters' hardship fund had raised �8,000 before the mystery gift - thought to be the largest single donation from an individual since the strike began.

Sub-officer Terry Smith said the donor had pulled up in a car and handed over a cheque.

'Good cause'

Mr Smith said: "He said, 'Thank you for very much for the hard work you're doing, we're in full support and we hope this can end peacefully'."

The hardship fund is open to any Northamptonshire firefighter in need of assistance during the national eight-day strike.

Mr Smith said the time of year made it especially difficult for striking firefighters to cope with the loss of earnings.

He said: "Nobody wants to be out here and it's hurting us hard. But we believe in what we are doing."