A campaign to recruit more black and minority ethnic firefighters has been launched by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

They also want more women to join up, said Natalie Parkinson, an Equality and Diversity Officer at Shrewsbury fire HQ.

“Positive action” events to encourage under represented groups to apply will be held on January 23 and 24 at Telford fire station.

Recruits considering life as an “on call” firefighter should be physically fit and over 18.

Taster days will be held from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Telford Fire Station for anyone on January 20, for black and minority ethnic people on January 23 and for women on January 24.

Visitors can talk to firefighters, tour the station, watch demonstrations of equipment and hear about the recruitment process and career information.

“Being an on-call firefighter means you are helping to keep your community safe. We want men and women to come along to this taster day to find out what is involved,” said Natalie Parkinson, of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

On call firefighters must live or work within five minutes of a fire station and are needed to turn out for a set number of hours each week to answer 999 calls and attend weekly drill sessions. More than 80 per cent of county firefighters are “on call” living near 23 fire stations, many of them rural.

The brigade provides full training, support, promotion opportunities, excellent pay, uniform and conditions of service. A suitable candidate must pass job related physical tests and is ideally community focused and a “team player,” added Natalie.

For more information or to book a place call Natalie Parkinson at Shrewsbury fire HQ on 01743 260200 or visit www.shropshirefire.gov.uk You can also follow the county brigade on Facebook and Twitter.