Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott paid tribute in Parliament to brave firefighter Alex Kent on the eve of today's fire strike.

Wealdon MP Charles Hendry praised the 25-year-old, who died trying to rescue his younger brother from a blazing house two weeks ago.

Mr Hendry warned the current industrial dispute risked the public losing sight of the fact firefighters put their lives on the line every day.

Mr Hendry, speaking to the Commons, said: "None of us can understand the grief of his parents who lost everything - their children and their home - in a few devastating hours."

"Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that one unfortunate aspect of this dispute is that, by forcing people to take entrenched positions, we have lost sight of the fact that firefighters daily put their lives on the line to save the lives of others?"

Mr Prescott said: "We must not only offer our sympathy but reduce the risk of such tragedies happening in what we all agree is a dangerous profession.

"The best way of achieving that is to get to a new service, deal with the changes necessary for a modernised service and return to providing one rather than being in dispute."

Mr Kent was off duty when the blaze broke out at a house in Fermor Way, Crowborough. He died trying to save brother Phil, 23.

The brothers' funeral services are being held at All Saints Church, Crowborough, tomorrow at 11am.