Eleven-month-old Leo Challoner was one of six people rescued from a block of flats in Southampton by a Royal Navy fire crew, assisted by striking firefighters who left picket lines to help.

We have got to cover other services and we have done it to the best of our ability

Amy Stubbs, Wren

Royal Navy Wrens Hayley Smith and Amy Stubbs helped carry the boy to safety.

The baby's mother Karen, who was also rescued along with her three young daughters, praised the crew's efforts - but added that firefighters' deserved their pay rise.

"The Royal Navy did a brilliant job and we are very grateful to them," said Mrs Challoner.

"But the firefighters left their strike to help us and I think they should get the 40% pay rise, they deserve it."

The rescue began when two Green Goddesses were called to the scene, closely followed by two fire brigade units from nearby Redbridge.

Residents were trapped in their flats by a burning carpet in the stairwell.

Fire brigade crews used their ventilation systems and were first into the building to douse the flames before Green Goddess crews aided the evacuation.

Amy said: "We are paid to do this aren't we?

"We have got to cover other services and we have done it to the best of our ability.

"We are all working really hard and we will just crack on and do it basically."

Crossing picket lines

Fire Brigades Union secretary for Redbridge fire station Colin Burford said his team would always cross a picket line in a life-threatening situation.

He said: "It is in firefighters' nature to cross picket lines and we will always be available to help if people are ever trapped.

"I would imagine this is the same for 100% of firefighters."

Amy and Hayley are part of the Armed Forces' Operation Fresco currently supplying cover during the firefighters' dispute.

Amy, 21, from Beverly in Hull, has been serving in the Royal Navy for two years and is currently with HMS Manchester.

Hayley, 24, from Brownhills, West Midlands, has served six years in the Royal Navy and is currently serving with HMS Exeter.