FIREFIGHTERS in Newport say they have been overwhelmed with the public support since the start of their eight-day strike.

Len Morgan, a firefighter at Maindee for the past seven years, said: "The public support we have received has been fantastic; we have been overwhelmed."

Forty-three-year-old Mr Morgan said the morale among the men on the picket lines is high and much of that is due to the continued support.

He said: "The morale here is high because the strike itself is absolutely solid. We want to thank the public for their support."

Mr Morgan said they had received food and drink parcels from the community.

He added that the firefighters would be at Maindee Fire Station 24 hours a day and if there was a life-threatening emergency they would be there to help the public.

Mr Morgan said the mood with the government itself was, however, still one of anger and frustration.

He said: "It could have been very easily resolved at an early stage."

Bob Allen, a firefighter for 29 years, said yesterday further talks are needed.

He said: "There needs to be more talks until the government get their act together."

* In the picture: Striking Maindee firefighters, from left, Lee Abdul, Hadyn Wood and Jason Harris.