The deputy prime ministers will continue talks with fire union chiefs in a bid to halt next week's strike action.

Fire Brigades Union chief, Andy Gilchrist, praised yesterday's meeting as "constructive". "We have had a very constructive dialogue with John Prescott,'' he said.

"We have looked at a range of issues which are all relevant to the pay dispute."

As talks continue, there is speculation over whether a last minute deal will emerge averting the first national fire strike for 25 years.

The FBU's 19-member executive is expected to meet later on Friday - indicating that there may be room for manoeuvre ahead of Tuesday's strike.