Boots supplied to firefighters are to be replaced for the second time in 12 months at a cost of about £36,000.

West Sussex County Council is changing the boots issued to about 600 firefighters in the county because of safety fears.

The most recent boots to be taken out of service are believed to have failed a heat test.

Earlier ones were withdrawn following the findings of a crush test on the metal toecap.

Legal proceedings are being considered by County Hall after Cabinet member for public safety Michael Dennis ordered the new boots should be provided as soon as possible.

Councillor Nick Rodgers, leader of the council's Liberal Democrat group, said he would be asking for a report into the affair.

He said: "I am delighted our firefighters are to get the proper equipment to do their job but it seems a shame the first set of boots were not tested before they were actually purchased."

The first set of boots was bought by the council in 1998.

But independent tests carried out last year showed they failed to meet British and European standards.

A replacement set was introduced but these have been taken out of use after being sent for tests by the county's trading standards department.

In a report to councillors, Coun Dennis said after scrapping the boots last year the replacement ones were marked as conforming to standards.

He said: "However, independent tests carried out on these boots in August showed they did not meet the standard.

"Further independent tests carried out on a range of firefighters' boots showed only one make met the standard."

Fire Brigade Union secretary for West Sussex Andy Coulson said: "I think we are one of the few brigades which has its personal protective equipment tested by trading standards, which is very hot on this."