CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is launching a campaign to recruit more wholetime firefighters.

The ‘Changing Lives, Saving Lives’ campaign launches on Wednesday, July 18, to help find the next batch of wholetime firefighters for the Fire and Rescue Service.

Mark Cashin, chief fire officer, said: "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 vision 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 men and women with a wholehearted commitment and willingness to work hard as part of a team.”

The initial stages of the recruitment process will be undertaken online and will be made available on the Service’s website – www.cheshirefire.gov.uk – from 10am on Wednesday, July 18, until Friday, July 27.

This method of recruitment is designed to make an initial assessment of the applicant’s potential to work as a firefighter using a range of specifically designed questions examining the qualities and basic knowledge required for the role.

As a firefighter, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference within your community, working as part of a team and enjoying a varied career earning over £29,000 within 18 months when gaining competency.

Other benefits include working in an environment where the health, safety and wellbeing of staff are key priorities, coupled with generous family friendly policies and opportunities to apply for flexible working arrangements.

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 on the Service website.

For anyone considering a career as a firefighter there are taster events organised to enable people to try out the practical tests, speak to serving firefighters and learn more about the application process.

If interested, go to Winsford Fire Station, in Sadler Road, on August 3 from 1pm until 7pm.

It is not necessary to register, just turn up within the published times and allow around an hour and a half to get the best out of the event.