HOWARD Denton loves being a fireman, but he often has to work extra hours as a courier to supplement his £21,300 per year wage.

The 29-year-old, who has three children, is married to a creche worker from Manchester College, who was only recently on strike herself as a member of Unison.

Firefighter Denton, who joined the fire brigade six years ago after being made redundant from the Royal Navy and is based at Bolton Central, claims shelf-stackers can earn more than firefighters.

He admits that having to take on extra work as a driver can be demeaning and tiring, but is necessary to pay the bills at his family home in Farnworth.

He said: "Sometimes I've worked a night shift and then gone straight to a driving job the next day because we've needed the money so much.

"I put my life at risk as a firefighter, but am not being paid for that. My wife supports me in the strike, but it will put a massive strain on us as a family, especially with Christmas coming up.

"None of us wanted to go on strike and we all feel absolutely gutted, but there was just no choice.

"I feel that the Government has betrayed us. They awarded themselves a 40 per cent pay increase, but the fire service is 100 per cent underfunded and they won't do anything about it.

"I've always enjoyed the work because it's so rewarding, but I feel completely undervalued."

"UNDERVALUED": Howard Denton