A HISTORIC oak table, that saw some 'fiery' debates during the last firefighters' strike, is to be sold off.

The 14-foot long heavyweight table and its 18 matching chairs have been a fixture at the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's International Training Centre at Washington Hall, Euxton, near Leyland, since the 1960s.

But now they have to go because the room they occupy is needed for another use.

The Fire Brigade Union has its headquarters at Washington Hall and many heated discussions on the future of the county's firefighting would have taken place around the table, including the last time the fire service had a strike in 1977.

The set is expected to fetch around £5,000 if they go to auction, but fire chiefs hope to sell it privately.

John Phethean, divisional officer at Washington Hall, said he hopes they go to a good home, preferably in Lancashire. He said: "It's a pity we can't keep them but there's just no room to accommodate them any more, even in storage."

The set is around 100 years old and was a gift from the county council in the 1960s. Mr Phethean said: "This suite of furniture has served us well and will undoubtedly have impressed countless visitors during our 40 years of ownership.

"For anyone with the room and the inclination to entertain on a grand scale, there could be no better purchase.

"We believe the furniture was manufactured in Lancashire possibly by Waring and Gillow of Lancaster though we haven't been able to confirm that.

To arrange to view the furniture telephone Kevin Lingsley of Kingsley Antiques, Preston, on 07973 315322.