A NORTH Yorkshire fire station held an open day to attract potential recruits to its team of firefighters.

The Leyburn retained or "on-call" team of firefighters is under-strength and needs to add to its pool of part-time emergency workers.

As part of a local initiative aimed at expanding its team, an open day at the station netted several potential recruits.

Watch manager Dave Wibberly said there was no threat to the emergency cover provided but team numbers had to be kept up-to-strength.

He said: “We have several vacancies at Leyburn and would love to hear from anyone interested in the role. They are welcome to call in any Tuesday evening. It is very rewarding being a firefighter, but there is a commitment to the job that needs to be taken seriously, especially when you are on call."

Retained or on-call firefighters are paid professionals trained by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and work on a part-time basis. Though based at a particular a fire station, they provide on-call cover from home or their place of work. Responding to emergencies by pager alerts means they must work or live within about four minutes' travel time from the station.

The recruitment process consists of attending four drill nights at a preferred station and a day at the Easingwold training centre followed by a two- week course. For information, see northyorksfire.gov.uk/.