A NEW Year’s Eve strike by firefighters in Dorset and Hampshire passed without incident.

Crews walked out between 6.30pm and half past midnight as their fight against changes to their pension arrangements continues.

Another strike is set for Friday January 3, between 6.30am and 8.30am.

Dorset Fire and Rescue said they had a quiet evening despite heavy rain and strong winds.

At Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, a spokesman said the service had around 30 fire appliances ready to respond during the strike, mainly crewed by retained firefighters.

Assistant Chief Officer Bob Ratcliffe thanked the public for taking extra care and heeding safety messages and urged them to continue to take care over the remainder of the festive period.

“If you’re drinking, please don’t think about driving, grab a cab” he said.  “And rather than cooking when you get home, treat yourself to a takeaway.

"Make sure all Christmas lights are switched off and candles fully extinguished before you go to bed.”