FIREFIGHTERS were "overwhelmed" by the support they received from the Kidderminster public as they joined the first national strike in 25 years.

And as the Shuttle/Times and News went to press staff at Kidderminster Fire Station were hoping a last-ditch agreement on pay could be reached with the Government to prevent the eight-day strike due to begin tomorrow. members of the RAF at Kidderminster's Territorial Army base ready for action during the 48-hour firefighters' strike.

Pickets were manned outside the Castle Road station during the 48-hour walkout, which began at 6pm last Wednesday, while part-time crews at Bewdley and Stourport also joined the strike.

The RAF, based at the Territorial Army's Shrubbery Home in Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, provided emergency cover with a Green Goddess and a breathing air rescue vehicle and enjoyed a quiet two days.

The ageing Green Goddess was only called out twice - both relatively minor incidents taking place on Friday - whereas a handful of people died in blazes elsewhere in the country during the 48 hours.

One incident was a barn fire while the second call, to a car fire, came in at 5.56pm, four minutes before the strike ended.

The Fire Brigades Union has demanded a 40 per cent pay hike, which would see full-time firefighters leap from salaries of £21,500 to £30,000.

Sub officer Pete Smith, of Kidderminster Fire Station, said all of the four watches had helped man the picket line from Wednesday evening.

"We had overwhelming support from members of the public - there were very few negative comments," he added.

"The reaction took us a bit by surprise, to be honest. People were coming up and giving us food and drink. It reflected what was happening throughout the country.

"Our morale is good. We were buoyed by the support we got from the public."

Worcestershire County Council's assistant cabinet member for cultural and community services, with responsibility for emergency planning, urged people to be "extra vigilant" if the next strike goes ahead at 9am tomorrow.

However, Mr Smith said crews were hoping this could be averted.

"Strike action is a last resort and we would rather not take it again."