Industrial action by firefighters passed off without mishap over the bank holiday weekend as they staged three strikes in three days.

Firefighters from Leatherhead and Epsom took part in the national strike as a bitter row with the Government continues over pensions.

An Epsom firefighter, who went on strike, said: "The fire station was closed due to industrial action. Luckily enough there was no major disaster in the area. It was a bit of luck really.

"We feel the fire service is really taking things away from us."

Ahead of the strike, Surrey Fire and Rescue said non-striking firefighters would be backed up by rescue firm Specialist Group International (SGI).

A statement said: "SGI’s crews have all completed the full 17-week firefighters’ training course which includes fighting a range of fires, wearing breathing apparatus and using specialist equipment to deal with vehicle accidents."

Strikes were held from noon to 5pm on Friday, 2pm on Saturday to 2am on Sunday and 10am to 3pm on Sunday.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "It’s very disappointing that we’ve been forced to hold another three days of strikes but nothing will deflect firefighters resolve when the future of their families - and the fire and rescue service itself - is at stake."

But a spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "This weekend’s unnecessary strike action shows the FBU is not serious about finding a resolution to this dispute for its members and will only serve to damage firefighters’ standing with the public."