Keighley firefighters joined a national strike in a bitter row over pension changes proposed by the government.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members walked out for four hours last Wednesday.

“The five shift members of White Watch on duty at Keighley at the time took part,” said Lee Indriks, the FBU’s Bradford divisional secretary.

“Support from all firefighters and the general public has been very good.”

The union is fighting plans to increase employee pension contributions and impose a pension age of 60. Currently, the age is 55, but firefighters can retire earlier if they have 25 years’ service.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service recruited members of the public to provide temporary emergency cover during the strike.

A brigade spokesman said the Keighley crew had one callout, when steam activated an automatic fire alarm at a property in Bradford Road.

There were 12 incidents in all across West Yorkshire.

A drink-drive simulator and chip pan blaze demonstrations will be among the attractions at a fire station open day on Saturday.

Silsden Fire Station, in Elliott Street, is opening its doors to the public between 10am and 2pm.

Food and drink will be available, and entry is free.

Proceeds will be shared by the Royal British Legion and The Firefighters’ Charity.