Drivers face longer journeys this morning as Sellafield's firefighters are on strike.

The GMB union members are striking from 6am to 6pm today, and again on January 22 in their long-running pay argument.

Firefighters at the nuclear site have previously held three 12-hour strikes - and rejected a new pay offer last month.

There was tailbacks around the Egremont area as the road at Vale View, near to Egremont Bridge, was was also closed meaning extra traffic was pushed onto the A595.

Speaking about the firefighters' industrial action, GMB official Chris Jukes said: "The two sides are not miles apart, but there needs to be further local negotiations to reach a settled position.

"We have reiterated time and again our firefighters do not want to strike, it is not in their nature, and indeed this is the first time Sellafield firefighters have been involved in an industrial dispute.

"That shows the depth of feeling and despair."

A Sellafield spokesman said: "As always, we will work with other agencies to try to minimise disruption for the public.

"Full emergency safety cover will be in place during this strike. This will be provided by Securitas, which supplied cover during the previous firefighters' strike."

Sellafield worked with Cumbria Police and the Civic Nuclear Constabulary to minimise the traffic disruption this morning.