FIRE chiefs are launching a recruitment drive to make the service more diverse.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is holding a series of 'Taster Days' across Cheshire throughout August ahead of an autumn recruitment drive.

The sessions are aimed at encouraging more women, people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds and those from the LGBT community to see if they have what it takes to become a firefighter.

A fire service spokesman said: “The service is committed to ensuring that it has a workforce that represents the communities it serves.

“However, more than 90 per cent of our current operational firefighters are white males.

“Therefore, we are encouraging women and people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds and those who are LGBT to come along to a taster session to see if they have what it takes to be a modern firefighter.”

The taster days are on Thursday, August 4, from 10am to 4pm, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Winsford; Saturday, August 13, from 10am to 3pm, Crewe Fire Station, Wednesday, August 17, from 10am to 6pm, Warrington Fire Station, Saturday, August 20, from 10am to 3pm, Ellesmere Port Fire Station.

If you attend the taster day, you can try out the physical tests, to see if you could be a firefighter.

The tests are completed in the brand new recruitment pod, a bespoke test unit housing the elements needed for the national firefighter recruitment tests.

The days will include several workshops that will cover issues such as the application process and what personal qualities the service is looking for when it recruits.

People will also get the chance to have a go at the physical tests that form part of the entrance criteria and chat to firefighters to find out from them what the role is like.

Although, these sessions are predominately targeted at women and minority groups nobody will be turned away.

Anyone interested can drop in to one of the sessions between the listed times, allowing an hour to an hour-and-a-half or register attendance in advance by calling 01606 868308.

For more information visit cheshirefire.gov.uk