15965/8SHOPPERS in Wootton Bassett were startled after a cooker burst into flames in the High Street.

But local fire crews were already there and in fact had started the fire.

On Saturday the fire crews held an awareness and recruitment morning by the town hall. They demonstrated how to extinguish cooker fires as well as offering advice on fire safety.

Station Officer Mark Griffin said: "It was well attended throughout the morning and we had about 20 people filling out forms for free home checks.

"There were quite a few inquiries about recruitment although we were a bit disappointed that only one person turned up for our training night on Monday."

People will have another chance to learn about being a retained firefighter on May 16 when the brigade holds an open night at its base in Station Road. The event runs from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and will allow people to find out more about the job.

SO Griffin said: "It'll be nice and relaxed with a chance to come and chat about what we do."

For more information call the recruitment line on (01380) 731144.