DORSET Fire and Rescue Service will be hosting an open evening to find more firefighters.

The Portland crews will be hosting the event on Thursday January 16 from 7pm-8.30pm at Portland Fire Station.

They want to show the public what they do and encourage people to join up as on-call firefighters.

The open evening will allow potential recruits to try out some of the equipment regularly used by the Portland crews.

Members of the team will be available to share their experiences of being an on-call firefighter, as will recruitment personnel to answer questions on the contract and application process.

Simon Dennett, District Commander for Weymouth and Portland said: “We are really keen to recruit more on-call firefighters across Dorset but in particular at Portland.

“Being an on-call firefighter means living or working within four minutes of the fire station being able to respond to an emergency when you are needed.

“Retained firefighters are really important to Dorset Fire and Rescue and the training provided and skills learnt do transfer into your other employment.”

For more information visit www.dorsetfire.gov.uk or contact Steve Cheeseman on 01305 252600.