Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has assured residents that there will be a "plan in place to keep the county safe" if strike action announced by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) goes ahead.  

Firefighters have voted by almost four to one in favour of a nationwide strike in a row over pensions, the union said.

No date has yet been set for any action, but the union said a strike could take place as early as September 6 once a week's notice has been given.

Members of the union backed industrial action by 18,277 votes to 5,166, a majority of 78 per cent, it was announced yesterday.

A spokeswoman for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said it has been preparing for a possible strike.

She said: "This is a dispute between the FBU and central Government. 

"We have been planning in advance for the eventuality of this ballot result, and we have a plan in place to keep Surrey safe if any industrial action does take place."

The spokeswoman said more details would be released of any contingency plans once it is known what form any strike action would take.