FIREFIGHTERS in the region claimed yesterday that they had huge public support in their pay dispute with the Government.

Ahead of a potential eight-day strike, due to start on Friday, firefighters in Darlington showed the messages of support that they received during last week's 48-hour strike.

Cards and parcels of food were sent to the station in the town's St Cuthbert's Way, where crews formed a picket line and displayed banners calling for fair pay.

Among the firefighters' supporters were brothers Mark, Liam and Kristan Smith, of Darlington, who even taped their pocket money to a home-made well-wishing card.

In a tribute to the firefighters' work, they wrote: "To all the firemen and women - just to say how much we love you. You are our heroes.

"Here is our pocket money, hope it helps you."

The station also received a card from Rebecca Lombard-Earl, of Middleton St George, near Darlington.

Her sister, Fleur Lombard, was the first woman firefighter to die while on duty since the Second World War.

Ms Lombard was 21 when she died in 1996. She had been searching for anyone trapped in a blazing supermarket in Bristol when a roof collapsed on her.

Darlington firefighter Doug Bertlesen said: "We want to express our thanks to the public for the support they gave us during the 48 hours of the strike - we were overwhelmed by it."