A fire station has been saved from closure thanks to a 34,000-strong petition started by a regional daily.

The Sunderland Echo launched its Hold Fire campaign after Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority earmarked plans to close the city’s central fire station in October 2013 following £8.8m of Government cuts.

The Johnston Press-owned title collected 14,000 signatures online to fight the plans, while more than 20,000 people added their names to a collection organised by Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

A meeting of the authority on Monday morning saw members vote to retain the station.

Joy Yates, Johnston Press North East editorial director, said: “The Echo immediately launched a petition to save the fire station once we heard it was under threat of closure.

“We had a fantastic response from readers who backed our campaign, leading to more than 34,000 signatures.

“We are thrilled the fire authority has decided to keep the station open.

“Our campaign was hugely supported by the FBU and MP Julie Elliott, who highlighted the Echo petition at every opportunity.

“This is a major victory for the Sunderland Echo, the city and the readers we champion.”