Greater Manchester firefighter job losses approved

Firefighters gathered to protest outside the fire service's headquarters in Swinton

Plans to cut about 250 firefighters in Greater Manchester have been approved despite the chairman of the region's fire authority warning it would "put people at risk".

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service will lose staff to save £14.7m over four years due to government cuts.

Firefighters protested outside the meeting at the fire service's headquarters in Swinton earlier.

Chairman David Acton said the service was being "stretched to the limit".

The decision means there will be fewer fire engines made available when demand is low, and a new 12-hour shift system will be introduced.

Mr Acton also admitted the move would lead to an increase in response times.