ESSEX County Fire & Rescue Service are asking people to step forward to serve as an on call firefighter in South Woodham Ferrers.

Last year the fire service held a public consultation which decided that South Woodham Ferrers Fire Station would change from day-crewed to on-call.

On-call firefighters are paid for their services and they receive thorough training and learn all they need to know about emergency situations.

To become an on-call firefighter you must live or work within five minutes of South Woodham Ferrers fire station, be over 18 and be physically fit.

Martyn Hare, station commander at the station, said: “On-call recruitment can be difficult in small towns and rural areas, because nowadays there are fewer people who both live and work in small communities. This has put local services under threat.

“On-call firefighters are a crucial part of local services and the role is unpredictable, exciting and rewarding.”

The station is holding a drop in recruitment information session between 10am and 1pm on Saturday, July 1.

For more details call 01376 576698 or email oncall.recruitment@essex-fire.gov.uk.