A striking firefighter has been sacked after posting a message on a website about the dispute over pensions and cuts.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) member works in Hertfordshire and the union has lodged an appeal against the dismissal.

The union is also appealing for donations to help the firefighter, who is married and has three children aged 18, 14 and 12.

The union says he has been a firefighter for 26 years and has an unblemished work record.

FBU national executive committee member Keith Handscomb said: "Our member was summarily dismissed with immediate effect from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) on Monday December 9.

"His pay was immediately stopped pending appeal.

"His dismissal relates to his use of social media in connection with lawful periods of strike action over pensions.

"None of the alleged social media use was aimed at any individual or at HFRS by name. The FBU is representing him and assisting in preparing his appeal.

"He had served with an unblemished record for 26 years at Cheshunt Fire Station.

"FBU members across Herts are shocked and outraged at the severity of punishment for a fellow member and firefighter who has served his community proudly and courageously for over a quarter of a century."

The FBU members and officials in Herts have pledged to fight for justice and for the reinstatement of his employment with HFRS."

Mr Handscomb asked for messages of support to be sent to Cheshunt Branch FBU via text to Dan Poullais on 07940 571-732 or to Ben Russ at [email protected]

FBU members across England and Wales walked out for five hours on Christmas Eve in their latest strike in the dispute.

Over Christmas strikers responded to "severe incidents" as storms and floods hit Surrey and Kent, in line with an agreement with management.

Meanwhile in Leeds the FBU says West Yorkshire Fire Service is breaking the law by using uniformed police officers to drive fire appliances through picket lines.

The union says that the Fire Services Act 2004 prohibits the employment of police for fire service duties.

The union is taking up the issue with the West Yorkshire Police Commissioner's office.

Strike action will resume on New Year's Eve as firefighters defend their retirement and pensions agreements.