HAMPSHIRE fire chiefs expressed hope that a pay deal can be thrashed out after union bosses called off the first round of strikes for fresh talks.

The executive of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) decided that two 48-hour strikes planned for tomorrow and Wednesday this week and a second strike between Saturday and Monday next week would not go ahead.

But it warned that if no progress was made other strikes planned from November 6 onwards would continue as planned.

The announcement on Friday followed discussions between FBU officials and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Union bosses called the strike after a 40 per cent pay rise demand, to take firefighters' earnings up to £30,000, was rejected.

Dean Mills, regional secretary for the Fire Brigades' Union, refused to say if they would accept a reduced offer.

New talks take place between the FBU and the local authority employers on Wednesday and Thursday.

"Hopefully they will come up with a sensible offer," said Mr Mills.

"The biggest problem is that they keep talking about modernisation and linking that to changes in pay.

"But we have been modernising since 1977 and firefighters and control room staff must have fair pay for the job they are doing now.

"Then we can talk about changes for the next 25 years.

"We are reasonable people. There has only been one fire service strike in more than 100 years, so we can hardly be accused of being militant.

"Hopefully strikes can be avoided but we want a fair settlement."

A spokesman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We firmly hope the situation can be resolved."