MORE women are being encouraged to have a go at being a firefighter ahead of a new recruitment drive.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service want to hear from females and those from 'under-represented' groups to take part in a series of interactive days where the public can find out exactly what brave firefighters do on a day-to-day basis.

The wholetime recruitment campaign is set to roll out across the county next month but in the meantime, Jo Bell, who is based at Stratton Fire Station, hopes to inspire more women to get involved.

The 42-year-old, who has been in the service for the last 15 years, said: “I didn’t really think when I joined that it would that male orientated but there has been a few of us women who have worked together on watch before.

“When I joined there wasn’t many women around for eight years in Swindon but after that more joined.

“I used to be a fitness instructor and lifeguard and from there I just wanted to get out and do other fitness work with the public. The service was doing a recruitment drive and I thought I would give it a go.

“It was a matter of putting all or nothing into it.”

According to DWFRS’s group manager, nationally, the number of firefighters are 95 per cent male and 96 per cent white which is why the service wants to remove any barriers that might deter women and ethnic minorities from applying.

Back at the start of her career, Jo was put through a gruelling 14-week training course but now the service puts eager recruits through a shorter course followed by a two year probation.

Those wanting to brush up on their fitness abilities can also take part in a 12-week fitness programme ahead of submitting their application.

“It was definitely tough but what people should know is that it was different to how it is now because training plans are available to get your fitness level up,” Jo said.

“You have to have a good level of fitness to get in and so that is why the service is having these have-a-go days.

“The job is absolutely fantastic and you do not know what you are going to go to. The mixture of people and variety of people you meet and work with is great and there is always something to learn and do.

“We all have our strengths and weaknesses on the watch and so we balance one another out.”

People wanting to have a go at being a firefighter can visit Swindon Fire Station in Drove Road on Sunday (October 15) between 10am and 1pm.

Stratton Watch Manager Mark Evans said: “By having Jo on the team, people relate to her more than men sometimes but when it comes to the job she is like any one of us.

“If females are thinking that this is something they want to get into then they just have to give it a go because there is nothing to lose. As long as you are fit and well and can do the job you will get in and you won’t be precluded on your gender or sex.

“For me as a male I found it daunting when I first started so I don’t know how others feel. But if people want to know what it is like all they have to do is knock on the door and we will walk them around and show them exactly what we do.”

For more information, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/be-one-of-us.