Fife's 500 firefighters have voted overwhelmingly for strike action over a proposed #200,000 of cuts to comply with Fife Council's order to make savings.

But a series of one-hour strikes - which could lead to the Army providing cover - may yet be averted. Mr Trevor Shanahan, branch chairman of the Fire Birgades Union, said that, following a 100-strong picket of the council's Glenrothes headquarters last week, administration leader Alex Rowley has invited the union for talks. ''We are looking forward to hearing what's on the table from them,'' said Mr Shanahan.