Coastguard strike planned for North and Britain

Coastguards in the North are due to strike over the next two days in a long-running dispute over pay.

Up to 700 staff in the North and the UK will begin their 48-hour walk out at 7pm this evening.

Union members are angry they are paid less than other emergency services.

It is the busiest weekend of the year for the emergency service, due to the UK bank holiday.

Chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Peter Cardy, has said plans are in place to ensure public safety.