Firefighters are set to strike again after pension talks broke down.

Sussex firefighters will join the national Fire Brigades Union four day walkout starting next Friday with a far more extensive strike than previous actions.

The strike will begin at 6pm on October 31 until 6pm on November 4.

The move follows a breakdown in talks with the Government this week.

Union reps stated their disappointment that there was no change in the Government position despite two months of talks anc ocnilitary noises from minister Penny Mordaunt.

East Susse FBU rep Simon Herbert said that strike was an escalation of action which represented frustartion felt by firefighters in a dispute that has dragged on into its third year.

He said: "A lot of people were reading Penny Mordaunt's open letters and taking encouragement but then she came back and said it's status quo, it's heartbreaking.

"We always hope that we don't have to take more industrial action but it's backs against the wall time.

"The Government's own report says that 85% of us won't make it to 60."

An East Sussex Fire and Rescue service spokeswoman said: "We have contingency plans in place and continue to respond to emergencies during the strike, using professional crews made up of non-FBU members and retained firefighters.

"We will still respond to emergencies, prioritising where lives are at risk, but cover will be reduced.

"Our message to members of the public during the strike remains the same."

Fire Minister Penny Mordaunt said: “This strike action is completely unnecessary and we are disappointed by the FBU's decision.

“In the last few months when industrial action has not taken place we have made good progress on issues of concern to fire fighters, and anticipate being able to lay the pension regulations shortly. Firefighters will have one of the most generous pensions in the public sector in recognition of the risks they take.

“During industrial action public safety will remain our primary focus and we have tried and tested contingency plans in place. If they need help, people should dial 999 and they will get a response.”

For more advice on industrial action www.esfrs.org/about_us/industrialaction.shtml.