Firefighters' leaders have announced a new series of strikes from the end of January, claiming the next six weeks offer a "window of opportunity."

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said two 48-hour strikes would be held on January 28 and February 1.

This is a genuine window of opportunity that gives pay talks a chance Andy Gilchrist

The union hopes to reconvene talks with conciliation service Acas on 6 January, in an effort to find a pay deal.

A third walkout was due to start this week, running until Christmas Eve, but has been called off to allow further negotiations.

BBC News understands the fire service employers will put a new pay offer to the FBU in the second week in January.

A spokesman said they hoped to meet the unions prior to joint talks at Acas planned for the week beginning January 6.

Serious offer

The FBU has come under pressure as its members faced a prolonged strike period without pay, just prior to Christmas.

Andy Gilchrist, general secretary of the FBU, said he was sure the public understood firefighters were "prepared to talk".

He said: "Fire Service employers' now have several weeks to put together a serious pay offer.

Andy Gilchrist warned the government

"There will be ample time in January to conduct detailed and intensive talks to help resolve this dispute without the need for further strikes."

"This is a genuine window of opportunity that gives pay talks a chance.

" We hope all sides can grasp the opportunity with the same willingness that we do."

However, Mr Gilchrist said no one should think "for a second" the FBU's determination to get a fair deal was waning.

All sides should be working their hardest for a peaceful resolution Liberal Democrats

The government has reiterated any settlement will not get new money and must be within the framework set out by Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott.

The final conclusions of an independent review of the fire service by Sir George Bain are due to be published on 16 December.

Liberal Democrat spokesman Edward Davey said the announcement of new strikes was "very premature given that the Bain report is only days away from publication".

"It is disappointing the strike threat has still not been removed," he added.

Vetoed deal

"All sides should be working their hardest for a peaceful resolution."

The FBU blamed the government for the last strike going ahead because of its veto of a deal between the local authorities and the union.

This would have meant a 16% pay rise, partly funded by taxpayers.

But the government said anything over 4% would have to be paid for through reform of working practices, aspects of which is fiercely opposed by union members.