Firefighters and security guards at Gatwick have voted to strike in a move that could cause massive disruption for travellers.

The Transport and General Workers Union and Amicus announced this morning members had voted in favour of industrial action after previously rejecting a pay offer.

A walkout by Gatwick's 78 firefighters could stop flights in and out of the airport.

Industrial action by airport firefighters is not linked to threatened strikes by their civilian counterparts.

Around 900 security officers, whose workloads have increased since the September 11 attacks, could also strike over the pay claim.

The TGWU said the rejected pay offer had been worth 1.7 per cent from last April plus £150, with a further £150 lump sum and a one per cent rise from next April.

Tim Lyle, national secretary for aviation, said the vote showed the "sheer frustration" of the workforce.

He said BAA was making profits and the pay offer fell short of what airport firefighters and security staff deserved.

Union officials expect to meet on Monday to plan the industrial action. No date has been set.

A spokeswoman for Gatwick operator BAA said: "We have good relations with our unions and workforce and despite having reached agreement with the trade union representatives over this year's pay review, two of the unions have voted to reject the offer.

"We will be holding further discussions."