MORE than 60 firefighters and members of the trade union Unison gathered at a rally in Bolton town centre today.

The event at 11am was organised by the public sector union in support of the Fire Brigades Union pay dispute.

Firefighter Howard Denton, from Bolton Central fire station, Moor Lane, addressed firefighters and Unison members about Government plans for modernisation of the fire service.

Mr Denton said ministers were pushing for modernisation but was not prepared to fund it. When the Government called for modernisation, it meant cuts, and "cuts cost lives".

Firefighters who gathered in Victoria Square also spoke to shoppers, and answered questions about the strike.

Neil McAlister, a senior Unison shop steward, said: "The representatives of Unison have come down today in support of the firefighters. Not only do we think that they deserve the rise, but we also feel that the money is actually there to do so."

Fresh talks to try to end the dispute between fire authority bosses and the FBU were set to continue today.

Firefighters have demanded a 40 per cent rise.