LUDGERSHALL fire station is looking for new recruits to become on-call firefighters.

The station, which is in Castle Street, is hosting a recruitment event on Wednesday, May 31 from 6.30pm.

Station manager Tom Brolan, the district commander for Ludgershall, Amesbury and Pewsey, said: “The easiest way to see if being a firefighter is for you is to visit the fire station, have a chat with the crew and try your hand at different things. We’re inviting potential recruits to come along, take a look around and see the equipment we use.”

On-call firefighters make themselves available to respond to a pager when a 999 call is made, and cover is needed at all times.

Mr Brolan said: “On-call firefighters receive the same training and development as wholetime colleagues, and we can be called to all manner of emergencies, including fires, road traffic collisions, animal rescues and flooding. The pay does vary, depending on how much cover you give, but it is fantastically rewarding to be a part of your community and to be in a position to help people.”

Contracted hours can vary, but on-call personnel usually make themselves available for between 48 and 120 hours per week. Between them, each fire station team will provide cover for weekdays, evenings, nights and weekends.

In order to be on-call, you will need to be able to respond to the fire station in around five minutes once your pager goes off. This can be from home or work.

Those unable to attend the recruitment event can go to dwfire.org.uk/on-call-firefighters for more information.