WORCESTERSHIRE firefighters began a 24-hour strike this morning as part of a national walk-out.

The action follows two strikes in November last year after talks between union leaders and the Government broke down yesterday.

Seven Green Goddesses, two fire engines, four breathing apparatus rescue teams and one rescue support team have been split between Worcester, Kidderminster, Hereford and Redditch.

"In Worcester, there is one Green Goddess, one fire engine, one breathing apparatus rescue team and one rescue support team," said Alec Mackie, spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade.

Mr Mackie said RAF personnel were being joined by six Army employees and two Navy employees to man the equipment.

"We are urging the public to dial 999 and dial the fire brigade if they need assistance," he said.

"And we urge them to take extra care during the next 24 hours."

Steve Laugher, brigade secretary for the Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigades Union (FBU), said firefighters had still been receiving a great deal of support from the public.

"If you have views about the dispute, we will talk to anyone, even if they disagree," said Sub Officer Laugher.

Trained firefighters, who currently earn £21,500 a year, are hoping for a 40 per cent pay rise which will bring their pay to around £30,000.

Sub Officer Kevin Harris of Droitwich Fire Station, said a passing driver sounded his horn at firefighters in Droitwich at 8.30am this morning - half an hour before the strike began.

"We hadn't even put the boards out," he said.

"People were very supportive last time."

Colin Pullen, Droitwich branch secretary of the Fire Union, said firefighters worked shifts but did not receive any overtime pay.

Sub Officer Saul Bolton of Malvern Fire Station said he was hoping for support from the public similar to that received in November when people stopped to give them food.

He referred to an incident in which striking firefighters broke the picket line to help in an emergency during the last strike, saying: "The national media seemed to ignore a lot of the good work that went on in the country, by firefighters, and credit was given to the armed forces."