RESIDENTS will be able to try their hand at being firefighters at two upcoming events, as Cricklade fire station begin a recruitment drive.

Two have-a-go events are being held at Cricklade fire station later this month to encourage local people to become on-call firefighters.

Cricklade needs new recruits to provide fire cover for the town and surrounding villages. On-call firefighters make themselves available to respond to a pager when a 999 call is made, and cover is needed at all times.

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.

Potential recruits are invited to visit the fire station on Bath Road, Cricklade, on Tuesday, June 21, and Tuesday, June 28, both between 6-9pm.

They will be able to meet the crew and try their hand at using some of the equipment carried on a fire engine.

Station manager Jason Underwood, district commander for Cricklade, 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 try out some of the equipment.”

He added: “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.”

In order to be on-call, people will need to be able to respond to the fire station in around five minutes once their pager goes off.

This can be from home or work, and employers can benefit from a firefighter’s training – such as first aid, manual handling, a greater understanding of health and safety in the workplace, and enhanced team spirit.

Anyone interested in being a firefighter in Cricklade but can’t attend either of these events should visit dwfire.org.uk/Cricklade

Alternatively they can fallow the team on Twitter for more information by following @CrickladeFire