AT 6pm yesterday evening firefighters from Hereford's Blue Watch stripped off their uniforms to join the national strike.

At the same time the Ministry of Defence's Operation Fresco was launched. Two green goddesses will turn out for emergencies together with the county's retained fire fighters during pay dispute industrial action.

Dave Walker, chairman of Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade Union said Herefordshire's members of the Fire Brigade Union were 'disappointed and angry' when they agreed to hang up their uniforms until Friday evening.

"A lot of people were reluctant to go on strike. We wanted to get this situation cleared up by negotiation. The Government and our employers are forcing us to take this action," he said.

During the 48-hour strike green goddesses and other military assets will be under the 24-hour control of a military commander based at West Mercia Police Headquarters in Worcester.

Spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade, Alec Mackie, said: "Herefordshire has two green goddesses, stationed at the Territorial Army Centre in Harold Street, Hereford. A special team will be supplied by the Royal Airforce. They are a good, professional, well-trained outfit."

Across the region 27 specialist Breathing Apparatus Rescue Teams and five Rescue Support Teams equipped with cutting gear will be on hand at Territorial Army centres.

Fire cover will be available across the county at a reduced capacity. Homeowners are warned to be vigilant and dial 999 in an emergency.