THE ROYAL Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) are encouraging residents in Berkshire to become on-call firefighters as part of a national campaign.

The RBFRS are working alongside the National Fire Chiefs Council to urge residents to consider becoming an on-call firefighter at their local fire station.

The call is part of the Need More awareness week, which ran from Monday, January 7 to highlight the opportunities that are available within the fire service.

Steve Foye, deputy chief fire officer said: "On-call firefighters are an integral part of our service and community. We are keen to encourage anyone with the right skills to find out about what they can offer us - and in return, what we can offer you."

The RBFRS are reminding residents that no experience is needed but anyone who is interested must have a good level of fitness, understand and respect the diversity of the community and be patience and understanding.

On-call firefighters at the RBFRS come from different proffessional backgrounds including shopkeepers, builders, farmers, officer workers and people who are not employed.

Graham Saunders watch manager at Hungerford (on-call) Fire Station said: “If you’re passionate about helping others in your community, you could make a good firefighter.

“Although it’s a challenging role, we provide a range of support to help you get to the level you need to be at.

“If you live or work within 6-8 minutes of an on-call fire station, I would encourage you to come along to one of our events to have a go.”

As well as the campaign the RBFRS are inviting residents to take part in both physical and written entry tests, which potential firefighters need in order to pass.

For more information on what sessions to attend in 2019 visit https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/.