Firefighters walked out twice over the weekend in protest at pay and conditions.

Oxfordshire’s Fire and Rescue Service said that, in spite of the action, most of its fire engines were available and there were no major incidents in the county.

Crew manager at Slade Park Fire Station Rob Croll, 32, from Bicester,  said: “No one wants to go on strike but we don’t have an option.”

Friday’s and Saturday’s strikes lasted from 6pm to 10pm.