A NEW call has been made for part-time firefighters in Tenbury.

Despite losing a fire engine three years ago, Tenbury has had an almost continual shortfall in firefighters for most of the past decade.

But Tenbury is not the only station facing this problem which is common in rural areas where many firefighters are employed on a retained basis.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has been holding awareness sessions to try to get people interested.

On-call firefighters must live or work within five minutes (actual travel time) of their local fire station and all recruits must be 18 or over at the date of joining.

"We welcome interest from men and women who can get to the station within five minutes of being called to respond to an emergency,” said Station Commander Phil Sanders.

"The role is a challenging yet extremely rewarding one, and provides a vital service within the local community.

"It's also a chance to learn a range of new skills, such as accident prevention and first aid, that can be of real benefit in other areas of your life, whether at home or at work."

Thomas Pugh, who has recently become an on-call firefighter at Tenbury Fire Station, said: "It feels great to think you are a part of a team that is helping to protect and serve the local community.

"Knowing that when we are called out we will be making a real difference to someone's life makes me proud to be part of the service".

Trainee on-call firefighters receive an annual retainer of between £1,668 to £2,224, plus extra pay for attending emergency call outs and when fully trained can earn up to £8,000 a year (depending on the level of cover provided and the number of call-outs).

Further details about the role of on-call firefighters can be found at www.hwfire.org.uk