North Wales firefighters have cycled more than one hundred miles as part of their campaign for a pay increase.

They have ridden to council offices throughout the region in an effort to highlight their financial plight to local politicians

Firefighters have a dangerous job

Ten men and women took to their bikes in Llangefni on Anglesey on Monday and crossed the finishing line in Wrexham 103 miles later shortly after 1500BST on Tuesday.

They are hoping to change the top pay level of their salary from �21,500 to �30,000.

Retained firefighter Mark Ridgway said they are asking for a fair wage.

"We've had a pay formula which has been in place since 1977 which no longer works for us.

Professionals

"In the last six years there has been a noticeable difference."

The Ruthin firefighter added: "We're no longer classed as manual workers, we're classed as professionals.

"The difference between the average of that classification and the average manual workers wages is about 39% and we'd like to see our pay adjusted up to that level."

The sponsored ride took in the six unitary authorities which make up the North Wales Fire Authority.

Letters to each council leader have been handed in outlining the firefighters' claims.

Mark Ridgway wants a wage increase

All money raised will be split between the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund and Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham.

Mr Ridgway said they had strong support from the public: "The first day we had people clapping and beeping horns - it's been lovely."

Firefighters' pay increases are currently linked to a formula agreed after the only national strike by firefighters in 1977.

The Fire Brigade Union now wants that system replaced.

During the 1977 strike, Army "green goddesses" were used to answer 999 calls for nine weeks.

If union members vote in favour of industrial action in a ballot in September fire stations across north Wales will be manned by retained firefighters.

They presently cover more of Wales than any other group in the fire service and crew 60% of fire appliances throughout the UK.