AS FIREFIGHTERS returned to work at 9am today after their latest pay strike, it was expected that strenuous efforts would now be made in a bid to avert a further walkout next week.

Two 48-hour strike dates have been set. Industrial action is due to begin at 9am next Tuesday and on Saturday, February 1.

Firefighters in Kent today breathed a sigh of relief as the first strike of 2003 came to an end. Medway fireman and union official Terry Carter said everyone was glad to be at work doing what they do best.

He stressed: "They are back at work doing something which only they are trained to do. They never wanted to go on strike, but the government has put them in a position where they can do nothing but strike."

Meanwhile, Kent Fire Brigade is reminding people to still dial 999 in an emergency. Peter Coombs, the chief fire officer, has also appealed to the public not to make hoax calls.

He said: "It is very irresponsible to make hoax 999 calls, especially when resources are limited. We are working closely with Kent Police in pursuit of nuisance callers."