Firefighters to strike for four days

GREATER Manchester fire crews will strike for four days in the run up to Bonfire Night.

Officers will walk out at 6pm on Friday and return at 6pm on November 4, as the protracted row over pensions continues.

Standby crews will be used to cover the striking firefighters.

Earlier this year, crews staged a rally in Manchester as they held a 24-hour strike in protest at changes to their pensions and retirement age.

The Fire Brigades Union opposes government proposals that would mean staff retiring before 60 would lose some of their pensions.