FIREFIGHTERS in Bolton have reacted angrily to Sir George Bain's long awaited report on the fire service.

Sir George has recommended an 11 per cent pay rise over two years, down on the 16 per cent being asked for by the Fire Brigades Union.

At the same time the report calls for sweeping changes to working practices.

The 160-page report, put together by Sir George's three-man team, wants to see:

More flexible shifts with recruits offered a greater choice of working times and hours

Voluntary overtime

Different crewing levels at different times of the day

Paramedic training

Fire stations and control rooms having separate facilities for women.

In return, firefighters would get a four per cent increase this year, and seven per cent next year.

But Bolton Central firefighter Howard Denton said: "Bain wants us to carry out more community fire safety. A large percentage of our time is put into this area already, and we feel this is a smack in the face for us. We are not being recognised for the work we do.

"Morale is plummeting in the fire service. We have modernised the service already and all we want is decent pay -- the same as the police. We have fought long and hard to get the standard of cover we currently have.

"This report has not helped at all."