Thousands of firefighters are expected to take part in a march through central London in support of a near 40% pay claim.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union from across the UK are holding a rally on Tuesday to highlight the claim for a basic wage of �30,000, compared with the current �21,500.

The union is also seeking improvements to the 24-year-old pay formula which links increases in firefighters' wages to male manual workers' earnings.

FBU general secretary Andy Gilchrist said: "Every time there is a major disaster in this country firefighters are praised for the excellent work they carry out on behalf of the public.

"Unfortunately this praise does not pay the bills.

"FBU members are clearly saying to the government and our employers, don't praise us, pay us."

The firefighters will march through central London before holding a rally in Trafalgar Square.