DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are appealing for retained fire fighters in the Holsworthy and Hatherleigh areas.

Don't just live in your community — you could also protect it by becoming a retained firefighter.

Firefighters have one of the most respected jobs in the community and retained firefighters just like their full-time

colleagues are trained to deal with a wide range of incidents.

You will deal with fires of course, but also road traffic accidents, floods and hazardous materials. Community safety awareness is also a very important part of the role.

The Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service needs people who can respond in an emergency, particularly in rural areas.

Bideford Watch Manager Mark Gregory said: "We urgently require new retained staff to help out in our rural communities and we are recruiting for Holsworthy and Hatherleigh at the moment. I would ask anyone who might be interested to contact the information line as soon as possible to find out more."

Retained firefighters are not based at a fire station waiting for the alarm. They will be on standby as they go about their everyday lives at work or home.

When the call comes they will drop whatever they are doing and become part of the firefighting team.

What kind of person the team are looking for: At least 18 years old; physically fit; living and working close to the fire station; common sense; commitment; enthusiasm; patience and understanding and a team worker.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "However, you may be surprised at the broad range of recruits the fire service relies on. You could come from any walk of life — so please do not be put off by any preconceived ideas you may have — you could be just what Hatherleigh and Holsworthy are looking for!"

The rewards: Full training and the opportunity to learn new skills; basic annual payment (a retainer) and fees for emergency response; fees for training sessions and for duties like equipment maintenance; long service bonus; respect from your local community; personal satisfaction from helping your local community and a social life.