Firefighters from across Sussex were today urged to accept a four per cent pay rise - or risk putting lives in danger with strike action.

Scores of the county's firefighters travelled to London for last-ditch talks to prevent a national strike.

They have been asking for a rise of almost 40 per cent to take the pay of a qualified firefighter from £21,500 a year to £30,000, plus a new formula.

But the Employers' Organisation, which represents Sussex Fire Authority, was today offering four per cent and a new pay formula from November, linked to average settlements across the economy.

Charles Nolda, the organisation's secretary, said they must accept the "serious and reasonable" offer.

He is hoping to reach agreement before the firefighters, who have been joined by thousands of colleagues across the country, travel home tonight.

Mr Nolda said the employers had now put all their cards on the table and warned of the dangers if firefighters forge ahead with a strike.

Nationally, the Army would have to be called in to provide cover using 900 Green Goddesses, fewer than a third of the appliances used by fire brigades.

Mr Nolda added: "There is no doubt the alternative service provided by the Army would not be as effective as the normal service.

"Lives and property would be consequently at risk. That is why we think it is of prime importance we do not get this far."

The FBU thinks the current pay formula, worked out after the last national strike in 1977, is outdated and well behind other industries.

General secretary Andy Gilchrist said: "Employers have the opportunity today to resolve this dispute and to stop the threat of a national strike.

"If they do not, we will have no alternative but to recall our national conference and recommend a ballot for strike action."

The FBU said an opinion poll of over 2,000 adults provided "clear evidence" of support for higher pay.

About 71 per cent said they backed the union's campaign for a £30,000 salary, with a third saying rates should be even higher.