ON-call firefighters are being sought for Pershore Fire Station to provide cover both at the weekend and during the week.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service will be holding an awareness session at the station on Tuesday May 10 for anyone interested in finding out more about the role.

The session will be held at 6.30pm.

More information about the role can be obtained by registering an interest online through the fire service's latest vacancies section and then by coming along to the session.

On-call firefighters must live or work within five minutes (actual travel time) of their local fire station and all recruits must be 18 or over at the date of joining.

Station Commander Phil Berry said: “We welcome interest from men and women who can get to the station within five minutes of being called and respond to an emergency. The role is a challenging yet extremely rewarding one which provides the local community with a vital service.

“Furthermore, it’s also a chance to learn a range of new skills, such as accident prevention and first aid, which can be of real benefit in other areas of your life, whether at home or at work.”

James Smith has been an on-call firefighter at Pershore Fire Station for seven months. He said: “'I enjoy working as part of a team - it is great for your self confidence."

Trainee on-call firefighters receive an annual retainer of between £1,651 to £2,202 plus extra pay for attending emergency call outs, and when fully trained can earn up to £8,000 a year, depending on the level of cover provided and the number of call-outs.

Further details about the role of on-call firefighters can be found on the HWFRS website at www.hwfire.org.uk.