CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is launching a recruitment drive to find new wholetime firefighters today, August 14.

Would-be firefighters can begin the recruitment process online from 11am, until 4pm on Wednesday, August 30.

This first stage of recruitment is designed to make an initial assessment of a person’s potential to work as a firefighter, using questions to examine their qualities and basic knowledge of the role.

Paul Hancock, chief fire officer, said: “The organisation is looking to recruit a new cohort of wholetime firefighters.

“Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has transformed in recent years to become one of the best performing and innovative fire and rescue services in the country, acknowledged by many awards and accolades.

“Our mission is a simple one – to be an outstanding service where there are no deaths, injuries or damage from fires or other emergencies and we are looking for exceptional men and women with a wholehearted commitment and willingness to work hard as part of a team.”

The application process is designed to give everyone, irrespective of their professional or personal background, an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to be a firefighter.

A number of awareness and taster days have already been held across the county to encourage all potential applicants – with the hope that women and people from black and minority ethnic communities might consider a career as a firefighter.

“We are hoping that this programme will result in a broader range of applications which genuinely reflects the make-up of our local communities,” Paul added.

“Responding to incidents and emergencies will always be a key part of a firefighter’s role, but there is also a major 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.

“Working for a modern fire and rescue service offers an exciting and rewarding career and we want to recruit people with a real commitment to improving the safety of their community.”

Visit cheshirefire.gov.uk to apply.

The service's on-call recruitment campaign will continue to run alongside the wholetime recruitment initiative.

More information about which fire stations are looking for on-call firefighters is available at cheshirefire.gov.uk