SIXTY soldiers and a fleet of Green Goddesses are expected to arrive in Worcester later this week as firefighters prepare for two 48-hour walkouts and four eight-day strikes in the run-up to Christmas.

The Silver Street Territorial Army centre, which housed vehicles and troops during the floods of 2000 and last year's foot-and-mouth epidemic, was once again preparing to act as a base during the Army's latest operation.

Captain Dave Morgan, of the Worcester 214 Battery Royal Artillery, said the centre was busy preparing for the arrivals.

"There will be 60 military personnel at the centre to ensure emergency cover during the strikes, as well as police who will give escorts to emergencies," he said.

"There's a lot of preparation, not only with accommodation and food but also to ensure there are no glitches when the Green Goddesses are called on."

Sub Officer Steve Laugher, Worcestershire's Fire Brigade Union secretary, repeated warnings to be vigilant during the strikes - the first of which is set to take place next Tuesday and Wednesday - as the Green Goddesses were "slow and out of date".

He urged people to ensure smoke detectors were working, make a fire plan and extinguish naked flames properly.

"People have suggested the army use our state-of-the-art fire engines," said Mr Laugher.

"But without being disrespectful, troops aren't trained to the standards of firefighters and wouldn't be able to use them properly."