Like the rest of the country, Oxfordshire is counting the cost - both in lives and damage to property - of yesterday's hurricane-force storm.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the young woman who died when a tree crushed a car in the centre of Oxford.

Once again the forces of nature proved that when it comes to a battle between the elements and humankind, we always come off second best.

However, how much worse would the situation have been without the men and women of our dedicated services.

The police, ambulance crews, council workmen, power supply employees and the fire and rescue service were magnificent in their handling of the emergency.

As if on cue, the latter again proved their worth as they used their skill to rescue the trapped and injured and to advise on the safest methods of clearing streets and roads of fallen trees and masonry.

The news that the national strike of firefighters has been called off, albeit temporarily, is a relief to everyone. Their action yesterday proves just how valuable they are.

As far as negotiators and those of us who believe firefighters deserve a decent pay increase are concerned, the storm could not have come at a more opportune time.