Firefighters who began a 24-hour walkout this morning said they hoped the public would understand and support their stance.

A public address system at the Eastbourne station announced it was 9am as the crew of white watch trooped out on to the forecourt to signal the start of strike action.

Banners and flags adorned the building and a sign saying "Toot your horn, support your firefighters" stood in the car park.

About 30 firefighters, some with their families, and control staff huddled around coal braziers to demonstrate for higher pay.

Firefighter Paul Roberts said: "From what we understand, I think most of the public are still supporting us. It's not clear cut but we feel they are behind us.

"I have been surprised by the support but it's really good for morale."

He said a negotiated rise of 16 per cent had been pulled away from Fire Brigades Union (FBU) officers after talks collapsed last year.

"We had said the base for negotiation was 16 per cent and the strike would be withdrawn. That would have been enough to at least start the negotiations."

The Royal Navy is once again on stand-by at the Territorial Army Centre, Seaside, Eastbourne, with Green Goddess vehicles and nearby retained or part-time stations, including Hailsham and Pevensey, continued to work and provide cover.

Two further 24-hour strikes are planned for the end of the month and beginning of February.

Sub Officer Colin Brook said: "The normal person on the street knows the facts.

"Even if the level of interest has gone down, people are still behind us."

Almost two thirds of people in Britain say they support the strike, as long as fire crews continue to respond to major emergency calls, according to a Mori poll.

Ministers have offered FBU bosses an 11 per cent pay deal over two years, as recommended in the controversial Bain Report.

The pay deal is closely linked with modernisation changes suggested for the service.

Andy Gilchrist, general secretary of the FBU, who was due to visit Crawley and Brighton stations today, said: "All sides have to look beyond tomorrow and start setting the groundwork for a negotiated solution, one that is not based on binding preconditions."

At present, the starting wage for firefighters is about £17,000, increasing to £21,500 after four years. After 15 years in the brigade, a firefighter would receive the maximum pay of £22,400. A 40 per cent rise would push up wages for a qualified firefighter to £30,000.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has told the FBU there is no need for industrial action which he warned would "achieve nothing".

"Mr Prescott insisted the Bain Report into the fire service, which recommended an 11 per cent pay rise over two years, heavily linked to modernisation, gave the framework for a deal.

But the union said normal negotiations were being ruled out because of preconditions being set by fire authority employers, including commitment to the Bain proposals.

The FBU has complained these include a two per cent cut in jobs every year for the next four years, changes to the pension scheme and fewer firefighters on duty at night.

Mr Gilchrist said after yesterday's meeting of the union's executive it was "greatly disappointing" for firefighters and control room staff that the strike was going ahead.

The union is planning two 48-hour strikes from January 28 and February 1 and is expected to call further walkouts during the next few months if an improved offer is not made.

Shadow defence secretary Bernard Jenkin today called on ministers to ask the Attorney General to outlaw the strike in the run-up to potential war with Iraq.

"I don't think many people have any idea what a huge fiasco this is causing in the armed forces," he said.

"This is throwing the armed forces into a crisis," he said.

Asked what his message to the FBU would be today, Mr Jenkin said they were a "bunch of idiots" and a disgrace to their country.

"We know that the fire cover is interrupting front-line training of units that are going to go and fight a war.

"What a shameful situation to put the Army in."