A strike by firefighters, planned for tomorrow evening has been called off by the Fire Brigades’ Union.

The planned walkout was in response to a national dispute between the FBU and the Government over pensions reforms, and would have been the second period of industrial action in recent weeks.

Simon Routh-Jones, chief fire officer for Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “The news that progress has been made in discussions between the FBU and ministers is obviously a great relief, as industrial action is never easy, regardless of what side of the argument you are.

"Our hope now is that the continued negotiations will lead to an agreement that all sides can sign up to, and that we can focus on doing what we are all here to do – which is to keep the communities of Wiltshire and Swindon safe.”