GLOUCESTERSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is looking for local people who are willing to give up their free time and be a retained firefighter.

Over the next couple of weeks the service will be meeting men and women who are interested in becoming retained firefighters, which are vital to the Gloucestershire service.

The only criteria is they must be more than 18 years old, physically fit and living or working within five minutes of a fire station.

A recruitment night is being held at Moreton Fire Station for Moreton, Stow and Chipping Campden Monday, February 10 from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Geoff Sallis, Gloucestershire’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said: “This is a chance to become a member of a highly-skilled team and to contribute to the safety of the communities in which we all live.

“It’s an important job, which requires great energy and dedication. But it’s also a highly rewarding role working within a tight-knit team.

"Retained firefighters come from all sections of the community, so anyone who thinks they can do something extraordinary should step forward.”

Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: “We are all in the business of making sure communities and individuals are as safe as they can be – and our retained firefighters are a vital cog in the wheel."