WHARFEDALE residents are being invited to support their communities by becoming on-call firefighters.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is looking to strengthen its firefighting teams in rural areas, including Otley and Ilkley.

Those joining either station would work on a standby system, responding to incidents - alerted by a pager - from home or work.

Recruits must either live or work within one mile of the fire station or be able to reach it within five minutes of receiving an emergency call.

On-call firefighters must complete the same training and attend the same range of incidents as full-time firefighters, who are based at a fire station 24 hours a day.

The on-call contracts are flexible so that people with family and other work commitments also have an opportunity to apply. It may be suitable for people who wish to supplement their income or those who would like to be a firefighter, but cannot commit to full-time hours.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's Area Manager in charge of Operations Response, Nick Smith, said: "Our on-call firefighters are ordinary people who are passionate about helping their community but do an extraordinary job in protecting their community.

"They show incredible commitment, not only for making themselves available to respond to emergencies, but also in ensuring their fitness and skills are maintained at the highest level.

"Do something extraordinary and become an on-call firefighter."

Ilkley and Otley stations need predominantly daytime cover, between 8am and 5pm, and some weekend cover.

Anyone interested can find out more at open days to be held at Otley station from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, February 18 and Wednesday, February 22, and at Ilkley station from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, February 25.

The on-call contracts are flexible to ensure people with family and other work commitments can also apply.

If you have any questions call West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s HR department on 01274 473794 or visit www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/careers

WYFRS is also running a campaign to recruit full-time firefighters. Details about full-time firefighter recruitment can be found at www.joinWYfirefighters.com