Fire leaders have been accused of wasting money by renaming the county's brigade to reflect the wider duties performed by firefighters.

Plans were agreed to rename East Sussex Fire Brigade the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service by fire authority members yesterday.

However, leaders at East Sussex Fire Brigade Union (FBU) denounced the change, saying money could be better spent on funding other areas.

They believe the new title implies they are capable of dealing with all rescues, something they say is not true because they are not fully-equipped.

It is hoped the renaming, agreed by the East Sussex Fire Authority, will help the public understand the brigade's wider duties.

Fire authority officials estimate that more than half of firefighters' work involves call-outs not associated with blazes, such as road accidents and animal rescues.

East Sussex Fire Authority chairman Mike Murphy said the financial effect of the change would be low.

He said only new vehicles would feature the new East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service logo, while the existing logo would remain in other areas.

Councillor Murphy said: "With this new title, we are starting to reflect the new world. Being a firefighter is not just about fighting fires."

East Sussex FBU vice-chairman Steve Petch said: "This will be the third name change in about ten years in East Sussex.

"Surely the money used to fund these changes should be put to better use."