More than 100 fire brigade workers took part in a demonstration today over the sacking of a pregnant colleague.

Union leaders are demanding a U-turn or, they say, they will ballot members on strike action in addition to proposed walkouts over pay.

This morning's march in Chichester featured members of the Fire Brigades Union from Sussex and colleagues from Surrey, Kent, Hampshire and Gloucester.

The group, many of whom were bussed in for the protest, marched to Edes House where an appeal hearing was due to be held today.

Union leaders are demanding immediate reinstatement of the unnamed 38-year-old woman, who was sacked from West Sussex Fire Brigade.

The woman, who is seven months pregnant, worked in the control centre at Chichester. She was dismissed after being on sick leave for ten months.

The union is demanding her reinstatement or that she is medically discharged and can claim a pension on grounds of ill health.

Ian Wright, south-east regional chairman of the Fire Brigades Union, said: "I'm really pleased with today's turnout. It is not just fire workers from West Sussex but neighbouring counties.

"It is not a national lobby but it could become a national issue. We are demanding her reinstatement but if we do not get it we will ballot for strike action."

One firefighter from East Sussex said: "We're turning out today to support our colleague because she was sacked on capability grounds and we don't accept that.

"She has been working for the brigade for about 11 years and it's not fair.

"She's suffering from ill-heath and we believe that she should be allowed to keep her job.

"This affects everyone. So far nobody has been sacked on capability grounds so this could affect both control staff and firefighters."