POLICE say emergency 999 calls will be answered today despite the public sector strike action.

Workers are staging a 24 hour walkout - the biggest in a generation - to protest about planned cuts to their pensions.

Police say people should only call 999 in an emergency, and to use the non emergency number - 101 - 'wisely'.

They term an emergency as when life or property is at risk, in relation to a vulnerable person, or when a crime is taking place.

Staff in a wide range of roles are taking part including call handling, custody, crime scene investigation, and forensics.

ACC Janette McCormack said: "While the absence of essential police staff means it cannot be business as usual, what our forward planning has ensured is that the communities of Cheshire will continue to receive the essential policing services that they need.

"If you call 999 and ask for the police, we will be there.

"Local neighbourhood officers will still be patrolling their communities. The public are safe, and should continue to feel safe."