AN urgent appeal for retained firefighters was this week issued by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

The service needs to recruit on call retained firefighters who will be available for calls during the daytime in Okehampton.

In the event of additional firefighters not being found, there may be occasions in the future when appliances from other stations have to attend incidents in the town.

Watch manager Ian Donovan said: 'Firefighters are normal people who live or work in the community.

'They are builders, housewives, postal workers and shopkeepers — in fact they come from all and every walk of life.

'The only thing they have in common is that they have all decided to put something back into the community by becoming trained firefighters.

'We know that there are many more women that are capable of becoming firefighters who are reluctant to put themselves forward.

'Most people believe that the physical strength required to be a firefighters is greater than it actually is.

'Now it is the firefighters themselves that need your help, there simply aren't enough of them and there is a real shortage of new volunteers.'

Applicants must be at least 18 and physically fit.  They need to be available Monday-Friday and in particular during the daytime.  Successful applicants will have a chance to attend first aid courses and LGV driving courses.

Anyone who is interested can attend a recruitment evening on Monday, June 11 at Okehampton Fire Station in North Road. 

The station will be open from 7pm to 8pm. Staff will be there to give information on the role of a firefighter.