East Sussex Fire Brigade is in line for a multi-million pound budget increase that will boost the number of firefighters in the county. But tax payers will have to foot the bill.

Sixteen extra full-time crew are to be introduced following a decision by East Sussex Fire Authority to increase its annual spending by seven per cent to £30 million next year.

The new recruits will join the 416 full-time and 256 retained firefighters in the county.

A breakdown of figures shows it will cost each resident in East Sussex £38.90 a year to run the county's fire brigade in 2003-04.

The announcement follows a public survey showing that residents in East Sussex give overwhelming support to firefighters.

A total of 91 per cent questioned supported the spending increase while 62 per cent supported a council tax rise for the brigade.

Union officials acknowledged the fire authority's support, saying it had shown commitment to the firefighters in their ongoing pay dispute.

Jim Parrott, secretary of East Sussex Fire Brigades Union, said: "Both the public and the fire authority recognise that dedication and professionalism should be properly rewarded.

"That means better pay and improving the health and safety and welfare of East Sussex Fire Brigade employees."

In a statement, East Sussex Fire Authority said it recognised the commitment of firefighters across the county.

It said: "There is a substantive case to increase the salary level of a qualified firefighters similar to that of comparator groups."