Thousands march in support of UK firefighters

Thousands of people are marching through central London, UK, to support the firefighters' dispute.

Off-duty firemen have been joined by teachers, civil servants, rail workers and other trade unionists.

It is the biggest union demonstration since the early 1990s when people demonstrated against pit closures.

Leaders of Britain's Fire Brigades' Union were at the head of a march as it set off from the banks of the river Thames towards Hyde Park where a rally will be held.

General Secretaries of several trade unions were also at the head of the march and will address the rally.

Andy Gilchrist, general secretary of the FBU, who was on the march with his wife and two children, said the turnout demonstrated the massive support for the firefighters from throughout the British Labour and trade union movement.

"It is clear there is considerable support for our dispute and it is absolutely overwhelming," he said.

"This is a demonstration of the incredible amount of support we have throughout the union and Labour movement.

"Even on such a cold day as today many thousands of people are prepared to march alongside us."

Mr Gilchrist said the union was anxious to reach a negotiated settlement to the pay row which is why he was taking part in exploratory talks with the conciliation service ACAS.