WORCESTERSHIRE'S firefighters are expected to overwhelmingly support strike action in a dispute over pay when they cast their votes today.

Steve Laugher, secretary of the Fire Brigade Union in Hereford and Worcester, said he would be "absolutely amazed if this doesn't happen".

If firefighters vote in favour this will be the first strike by the FBU in 25 years.

The dispute is over a bid for a 40 per cent pay increase, that will raise the average pay from £21,500 to £30,000.

"This figure comes from the Labour Research Department's own independent study," said Mr Laugher.

"About 12 to 18 months ago this same department recommended an increase of 40 per cent pay for MPs and they accepted that without any question.

"Nationally, this would be 41p on average per week per household to pay firefighters. Locally this would be 34p because we're cheap.

"We're one of the lowest funded brigades in the country. We're in the bottom three."

The FBU is expected to release the results of the ballot later today.