The rope rescue team based at Peterlee fire station, in County Durham, has stopped responding to incidents needing rescues from high-rise buildings, cliffs and quarries.

But the team says that additional training pressures and a lack of volunteer recruits has forced them to discontinue the service.

Fire chiefs say the men could face the sack and officials are taking legal advice.

George Herbert: "Not a responsible action"

The 40-strong rescue unit was formed eight years ago to carry out dangerous, high-level rescues using specialist equipment.

At the time, officers were asked to join on a voluntary basis and only those from Peterlee came forward.

Watch commander Bob Houghton said: "Rope rescue is a unit of highly trained men.

"We have to do at least 12 hours of training a month and we have to squash our other training into three days a week.

"Because of the workload, people have said they are not prepared to do it.

"These lads have done the job for eight years and they think they've done their bit."

But George Herbert, chief fire officer for the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade, said it was "a huge coincidence" the men had taken the decision during an industrial dispute.

He said: "We don't think it's a reasonable or responsible action."

Mr Herbert said the fire authority was seeking legal advice before taking action, but that firefighters could face disciplinary action.