FIRE fighters were called out to 17 incidents during a nine-hour strike period that ended tonight.

Among them, crews dealt with a lock out in Harold Road, Clacton, and a small fire involving a washing machine in Westbury Court, Frinton.

The fire was out on arrival, crews inspected the property to ensure it was safe before leaving the scene.

In Key Road, Clacton, fire fighters released children who had got locked in a bedroom and also attended Old Road after smoke started pouring from an electrical cupboard.

There was no fire but working fire fighters inspected the property to make sure it was safe before leaving the scene.

At lunchtime a working crew attended a small field fire in South Green, Fingringhoe.

The strike, from 10am to 7pm, was part of a national dispute between the Fire Brigades Union and the Government over planned changes to fire fighter pensions.

Further strike action is planned for next week.