THE lead singer of 1980s band Deacon Blue has offered to put on a benefit gig in aid of striking Hampshire firefighters, who will have their pay packets docked when they walk out next Tuesday.

Ricky Ross, who had a string of Top-30 hits with the group, has also given the county's Fire Brigades Union permission to use his song Dignity as their anthem during the industrial action.

Striking firefighters have had T-shirts made up with the song title emblazoned across the front and surrounded by flames.

In a letter to a Hampshire FBU member Ricky Ross said: "I have a great affection for your cause. I can't offer the song for release but I would love to help. If you would like to put on a benefit show to support striking families I'd be happy to help.

"We had a fire in our last house and were very impressed at the efficiency and courage of the firefighters.

"I also remember the solidarity the firefighters have shown to other workers over the years. I remember their support, particularly, of the miners in the Eighties."

Other prominent people to give the strike action their backing include veteran labour politician Tony Benn and actor Ross Kemp. The Fire Brigades' Union has planned a series of walkouts, set to begin next week, to back their demand for a 40 per cent pay adjustment which, it says, would boost their pay to £30,000 and bring them into line with other male manual workers.

During the strikes, emergency cover is set to be provided by Green Goddess fire engines, manned by the Navy.

See tomorrow's review section for a guide to what next week's strike will mean.