Kent firefighters will be on strike for three hours every day from today until next Saturday, the latest round of strikes in the long-running pension dispute.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said Fire Minister Penny Mordaunt cancelled talks due to be held yesterday which might have found a solution to the issue.

Strikes will take place each day from Saturday 9 August until Saturday, August 16, between 12pm and 2pm and 10.59pm and 11.59pm.

Last month Kent FBU secretary Mark Simmons told KentOnline: "We do not accept that it is appropriate or safe to require our members to work to the age of 60."

On Friday FBU Assistant General Secretary Andy Dark said: “Firefighters hate striking. We believe that Winston Churchill was right to say: "jaw-jaw is always better than war-war." That is why we are astounded by the cancellation of the last-minute talks by Ms Mordaunt on Thursday.

“Government proposals as they stand include a number of unacceptable elements including firefighters being forced to work until 60 – an age at which the enormous physical demands of the job are beyond most of us.

"Both sides have identified that there are possible solutions to these issues but the Government is unwilling to amends its proposals."

Fire crews' tips for strike safety

Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home and test them regularly

Unplug any unused electrical items before you go out and don't overload electric sockets

Avoid leaving electrical items running, such as the washing machine or tumble dryer, while you're away from home

Don't leave any cooking unattended, especially if you've been drinking alcohol or are on medication

Avoid using candles and don't leave them burning if you are not in the room

Drive carefully and wear a seatbelt

If you are out walking, stick to safe areas and avoid water and deep mud where you may get into difficulties

Avoid having bonfires

For more safety advice, visit www.kent.fire-uk.org or call 0800 923 7000.