Fire Brigades Union (FBU) leader Andy Gilchrist is in the South West on a morale-boosting trip ahead of next week's planned strike.

He spoke to FBU members at two Plymouth area fire stations, one of which was the site of angry scenes as firefighters crossed picket lines during last year's industrial action.

White Watch at Plymstock fire station crossed the line because they had left the FBU over the use of defibrillators and firefighters as first response teams.

Striking firefighters protested at picket lines

Mr Gilchrist said the FBU was fighting for all firemen and he would encourage them to rejoin the union.

Firefighters in the region said they believed they would still get public support for the next strike.

Peter Newman of Greenbank Fire station said: "I'm confident that the feeling is strong.

"In fact, I feel that possibly, as more details emerge of what the employers are demanding, not requesting, that support will gradually grow."

Fire union leaders and employers have been involved with talks via the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) this week.

The employers offered the prospect of a three-year pay settlement but stood resolute any deal must be linked to modernisation of the fire service.

Strike action

Mr Gilchrist would not be drawn on the angry scenes at Plymstock during the last strike but had a message for the members of White Watch.

He said: "This is a dispute about pay for all firefighters. People make their own decisions in life but it think it's a time for them to stick together and re-join the union."

He is also to visit Camel's Head in Plymouth and St Austell fire station in Cornwall on Wednesday.

Industrial action by firefighters is due to start on 21 January.