A FORMER firefighter has been appointed east of England regional secretary of Unison.

Kerry Baigent takes over today after more than 10 years with the union, having joined in 2014 in Devon.

In 1994 she became the first female firefighter at the Cambridge station and led the FBU branch there, leading members through national strikes in 2002, 2003 and 2014.

Unison said Ms Baigent oversaw a sharp rise in membership in its south-west branch and was responsible for a major victory against NHS outsourcing in Dorset.

She said: “It’s a real honour to have been appointed to lead the biggest trade union in the east of England. 

“Public services are the motor of our economy, but all too often the staff running them get a raw deal after years of underfunding and underinvestment.

“It’s essential workers stand together to ensure they’re properly supported to keep delivering the vital services they provide.”