SWANAGE fire station will be holding an event next month in a bid to recruit more on-call firefighters.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) says it needs volunteers to help provide fire cover in Swanage and the surrounding area.

Swanage fire station manager Phil Burridge 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 are inviting potential recruits to come along, take a look around and see the equipment we use."

On-call firefighters respond to a pager when a 999 call is made, so they need to be able to get to the fire station in around five minutes.

Mr Burridge said: "On-call firefighters receive the same training and development as whole time 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 and, between them, each fire station will provide cover for weekdays, evenings , nights and weekends.

Anyone interested in joining the Swanage crew can visit the fire station in Kings Road from 7pm on Wednesday, July 5.