There is to be a permanent national memorial to a Leicestershire firefighter who was killed on duty on Thursday.

Bob Miller, 44, died while tackling the fire at a disused hosiery factory at Morledge Street in Leicester.

He was the first firefighter to die on duty in Leicestershire for 25 years.

Inquiries into his death and thecause of the fire are continuing.

Plaque of honour

Every firefighter who dies while on active service is remembered at the National Fire Service College in Gloucestershire.

On Thursday a solitary bell was rung and a minute's silence held.

Firefighter deaths in the UK

1990: Six 1991: Four 1992: Three 1993: Four 1994: Two 1995: Five 1996: Three 1997: One

Now a special plaque will be prepared with details of firefighter Miller's career.

His name will also be recorded in a book dating back to World War II with the names of all those who have died in service.

Tributes have been paid by his friends and colleagues in Leicestershire.

Sub-officer Mark Smith said: "White watch at Eastern Station will be the poorer for losing him.

"It will rip the heart out of the watch."

Strike talks

Seventy firefighters attended the fire, which took hold in the second and third floors of the three-storey factory.

He was one was one of the first firefighters into the building and it is believed he fell.

Fourteen fire engines were sent to the scene

Mr Miller leaves wife Jane and two children aged 14 and 17.

The last firefighter to be killed on duty in the UK was Paul Metcalfe from the Greater Manchester service in 1999.

Firefighter Miller's death came on the second day of talks between the Fire Brigades Union and employers over pay.

They ended without a resolution but were described as "constructive".

The union's executive will meet on Monday to decide whether to continue with an eight-day strike from 6 November.