HUNDREDS of firefighters from the region will board a specially-hired train to London today as part of a row over pay.

They will leave Manchester Piccadilly to take part in a march and demonstration in the capital.

They are seeking an increase in basic pay to £30,000 by November 2002.

The Fire Brigades Union has said if its demand is not met, it will ballot its members for a national strike, the first since 1977.