Wiltshire fire chiefs are hoping to recruit more women to their teams and are organising a “have a go” session for those who fancy giving it a try.

The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently actively recruiting more on-call firefighters at most locations across the county and women would be welcome at all stations as on-call staff.

Station Manager Neil Tidball, the service’s on-call development manager, said: “Traditionally, it’s always been difficult to recruit women into the fire service, as there’s still a perception that firefighters have to be big, strong men with superhero fitness.

“While those sorts of applicants are of course welcome, the role of a firefighter is so varied - there’s a place for people from across all parts of the community.”

He added: “While a good level of fitness is needed, we also need people with common sense, the ability to work as a team, and who live or work near an on-call fire station.

“We are organising a targeted event which will hopefully attract women to come along, have a go at some of the selection tests, and find out more about being an on-call firefighter.”

The service says on-call firefighters are needed at "pretty much every station" including in West Wiltshire: Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Trowbridge, Warminster and Westbury; in East Wiltshire: Devizes, Marlborough, Pewsey, Ludgershall and Ramsbury; and in North Wiltshire: Calne, Cricklade, Royal Wootton Bassett, Corsham and Malmesbury.

On-call firefighters are paid professionals, who do the same work as their wholetime colleagues. But unlike wholetime firefighters, they are not based at the fire station but have other jobs and commitments, responding to emergencies only when their alerter goes off.

On-call firefighters are usually contracted for between 40 and 120 hours of cover per week. Between them, each fire station team will provide cover for weekdays, evenings, nights and weekends.

Two trial sessions will be held at Swindon fire station on Saturday, February 26, with just 16 places per session. Each will feature six activities, and the chance to chat with existing firefighters from the on-call recruitment team.

To book a place call the recruitment hotline on 01722 691444.