Talks between John Prescott and union leaders aimed at avoiding a firefighters' strike have been adjourned without apparent agreement.

But the talks, which lasted more than two hours, were described by Andy Gilchrist, general secretary of the Fire Brigades' Union, as "constructive".

It was very civil, very constructive and it's fair to say, both sides are trying to avoid the national fire service strike

Andy Gilchrist FBU

He said: "It is necessary for us as officials to go away and consider what has been said to us about the pay dispute and obviously, report back to the executive council and take things from there.

"So, at the present moment, the talks are adjourned. It has been made clear by John Prescott if we need to come back today or tomorrow, it's no problem. There are no plans to do so at the moment."

Describing the talks, Mr Gilchrist said: "It was very civil, very constructive and it's fair to say, both sides are trying to avoid the national fire service strike which is planned to begin on Tuesday."

All the issues were understood to have been discussed, including pay, working conditions and contingency plans if a strike goes ahead next week.

Green Goddesses

The government wants the FBU to delay its first walk-out on Tuesday to give more time for talks.

The meetings came as a poll suggested just over half of the public supported the firefighters' campaign for a 40% pay rise, from just over �21,000 to �30,000.

Strike dates

29- 31 October 2-4 November 6-14 November 22-30 November 4-12 December 16-24 December All start and end at 0900 GMT

However, 74% of 600 adults quizzed for ITV's Tonight with Trevor McDonald were against any strike action that would mean emergency calls being ignored.

A vote on BBC News Online indicated that almost 60% of 22,000 readers were against the strike, with just over 40% supporting strike action.

Prime Minister Tony Blair urged the union to cooperate with an independent review into firefighters pay and conditions.

"Our desire is to make sure the dispute is resolved. It is not in the interests of the public - it is not in the interests of the firefighters themselves," said Mr Blair in Brussels, where he is attending a European Union summit.

"But it has to be on the basis that if we are considering a new formula for the firefighters, that is the outcome and product of the independent review and I hope very much that they will come round to that position."

Firefighters argue they are worth the pay rise

So far, local authority employers have offered only a 4% rise to the firefighters. Any more would have to be met by national government.

But on Thursday new Labour Party chairman Dr John Reid indicated that the government would not meet large public sector pay claims without substantial reform.

He said: "If the money we put in... is all used on pay increases then obviously it doesn't feed through to better delivery."

Full-time firefighters are planning to begin the series of walkouts on 29 October. Strikes will last for up to eight days at a time, and are planned to take place over 36 days.