CHAGFORD Fire Brigade has recruited its first retained female firefighter but it is determined it will not be

the last.

Christine Wotton, 30, has joined the team of ten chaps and is loving it!

At the end of her training period next week Christine, who has been a librarian, a teacher and is now a full-time holiday agent, will be ready to deal with whatever is asked of her — from chimney fires to major road traffic accidents.

Station commander Iain Rice said Christine was the trailblazer and he hoped other woman would follow her lead.

'It is still very much a male dominated environment although more women are starting to show interest now and both Hatherleigh and Holsworthy have had a woman joining the team,' he said.

'The demands of the job are less physical and much more mental these days. The whole approach to firefighting has changed — women can add another dimension as well as do all the things that we have been doing anyway.

'It is more like key hole surgery and less about wielding an axe.

'Women are more in touch with the emotional side of the job and there are times when this can be very helpful and sometimes their communications skills are better.

'Having said this we are not just looking for women to be hand holders — they will be fully integrated members of the crew who can add something that is perhaps missing at the moment.

'We are very pleased with Christine. She is very keen, fit and active and is a go-getting kind of girl.

'We are hoping she will also become a fire appliance driver after her probationary period.'

After a recruitment drive last year Devon now has 16 retained female firefighters and six have chosen firefighting as a career. Mr Rice said women were now beginning to go up the ranks in the fire and rescue service.

Christine, who is working for Helpful Holidays in Chagford after five years teaching with the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) in Africa, said she had chosen the service because it was challenging.

'The fire and rescue service is very interesting and varied and it will be rewarding to be part of something that is so involved with the community,' she said.

'The training is quite tough but everyone on the station has been tremendously supportive and encouraging. I could not have done it without them and the support of my employers who are willing to release me for any shouts.'

The new recruit, who keeps fit by riding horses and managing her allotment, is keen to get other girls to join up.

'You never know what you can do until you have a go,' she said.

Anyone interested in joining the brigade, male or female, must be able to reach Chagford Fire Station within four minutes at any time day or night, be physically fit, keen and interested.

Station commander Iain Rice can be contacted on 01647 432232.