Any Maldon residents interested in becoming an on-call firefighter can join an online Q&A event next Thursday (4 March).

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is holding the event at 7pm on for anyone interested in finding out more about life as an on-call firefighter across Essex as part of a new national campaign to recruit on-call firefighters.

Harry Clack, an on-call firefighter in South Woodham Ferrers, said:

"Being a young driver and motorcyclist, I form part of Essex's high-risk group for road traffic incidents. This made me want to be a firefighter, so that not only will I be giving back to the public services, but contributing to the safety of my friends, family and other people in Essex.

"It's a really great feeling to know I'll be supporting the local community and helping to make Essex a safe place to live, work and travel."

"If you're thinking of applying, do your research on the job and commitment, but don't overstress on things, the Service has a fantastic training team who will work with you throughout every part of the process."

The 'Need More' on-call fire campaign, led by the National Fire Chiefs Council, is in its third year and runs from 1 to 7 March. It aims to highlight opportunities that are open to people from all walks of life.

Working as an on-call firefighter means being involved in a wide range of activities in your local area from responding to emergency calls to carrying out work in local communities.

In return the fire service can offer flexible work to fit around study, work and family commitments, first class training and development opportunities and a chance to make a difference in your local community.

Moira Bruin, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said:

"On-call firefighters are a vital part of most UK fire and rescue services, and at ECFRS three-quarters of our fire stations are crewed by on-call firefighters.

"We often hear that the reason people don't apply is that they don't really understand the role or the benefits.

"I would encourage anyone who lives or works within five minutes of an on-call fire station to do their research and consider if it's something they might enjoy.

"Working in the fire service means you become part of a close-knit team, earn extra money and receive full and ongoing training so you develop a broad range of transferable work and life skills."

To be eligible to become an on-call firefighter you must:

-be at least 18 years old

-have a strong desire to support the local community

-have enthusiasm for working as part of a team

-be reasonably fit

-live or work within five minutes of your local on-call fire station

To book your free place on the online Q&A event visit the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service website via the link here.

To find out more about the national on-call recruitment campaign use the link here.