Now the spectre of industrial action is looming again as firemen and women threaten to walk out unless their union's demand for a pay rise of almost 40% is met.

"Green Goddesses" provided nationwide cover 25 years ago during the first and only all-out firefighters' strike

The army also stepped in when firefighters in Essex and Merseyside took action in 1995, 1998 and 2001

In the latest dispute, the union is calling for a qualified firefighter's pay to rise from £21,500 a year to £30,000

Thousands turned out for a rally in London to protest at the current level of their wages

Around 900 Army Green Goddesses are on stand-by in case moves to avert industrial action fail