CUMBRIA Fire and Rescue Service are hiring wholetime firefighters - for only the second time in a decade.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is holding a series of taster days at fire stations throughout the county next week with a session at the Barrow station 3pm-4.40pm and 6pm - 8pm on Monday.

The taster days will give people an insight into what life is like as a firefighter in Cumbria and provide an opportunity to experience and ‘have a go’ at the practical tests. Firefighters will be in attendance on each of the days to talk through the job of a modern firefighter and answer any questions about the role.

Steve Healey, Cumbria County Council’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “It’s only the second time in the last ten years that we have recruited a new cohort of wholetime firefighters, this really is a fantastic opportunity and an exciting time to join the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service team.

“Responding to incidents and emergencies will always be a key part of a firefighter’s role, but we also place great emphasis on being able to educate and inform people from all ages and backgrounds on fire prevention, community safety and the wider health and wellbeing agenda.

“We are looking for people who want to make a difference to the lives of our communities across Cumbria.

“The work of a firefighter is highly rewarding, if you believe you have a strong work ethic, passion and the commitment to make a positive difference then come along to one of our taster events to see if the role is for you.”

Applications from female candidates, black and minority ethnic groups and the LGBT community are particularly encouraged as the service recognises these are groups of society that are currently under-represented.

Applications will open online at 10am on Monday 1 October and close at 10am on Friday 12 October 2018.

For more information about applying to become a wholetime firefighter, go to cumbria.gov.uk/JoinCFRS