The Earl of Wessex has met with the families of the hero firefighters killed in the Shortgate fireworks disaster.

Prince Edward visited the new East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service base in Maresfield, near Uckfield, to dedicate two rooms in memory of Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker.

The firemen lost their lives during the massive blaze at the Festival Fireworks site at Marley Farm, near Ringmer, in December.

He unveiled the 'The Brian Wembridge Suite' and the 'Geoff Wicker Suite' in memory of Mr Wembridge, 63, from Crowborough, and Mr Wicker, 49, from Heathfield.

Prince Edward was joined by chief fire officer Des Prichard and other firefighters.

East Sussex high sheriff Caroline Mayhew, Wealden District Council chief executive Charles Lant and Sussex Police divisional commander Nick Wilkinson also attended the ceremony.

Chief fire officer Des Prichard said: "I am tremendously proud to be working with such a committed and professional team of people within East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their continued hard work and dedication in keeping the communities of East Sussex and the city of Brighton and Hove safer places in which to live and work."

The teaching block at the centre was named 'The Alexander and Philip Kent Building'.

Firefighter Alexander Kent died whilst attempting to save his brother Phil following a fire at their home in January 2003.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman Allison Gilson said: "The Alexander and Philip Kent Building will play a key role in the effective training of personnel, offering a range of comprehensive services.

"Together with the excellent practical facilities and administration block, it will provide a solid foundation for the centre of excellence."

During the visit, Prince Edward watched firefighters take part in practice exercises dealing with a car fire and a road accident.

Staff and pupils from Uckfield Community Technology College in Downsview Crescent cut short their half terms to meet him afterwards when he visited the school.

The new centre will be used to train the service's new recruits. The service employs 1,000 people serving a population of 750,000.

The investigation into the death of Mr Wembridge and Mr Wicker is continuing.

The two long-serving firefighters, each a father-of-two, are considered heroes by their colleagues and were given ceremonial funerals in their home towns.

They had arrived at the scene, along with police and paramedics, after two small explosions started a fire at the warehouse. They were killed by a third, larger explosion.

The Fire Brigades Union has asked the Government to launch a public inquiry into the incident and the rules around fireworks storage.