In addition to their normal jobs where they might be builders, shopkeepers, factory workers, nurses or housewives, retained firefighters are available to attend emergency incidents as and when required.

They are fully trained, highly skilled personnel, saving lives and property from fire. Retained firefighters also provide expertise at road, rail and aircraft crashes, chemical spillage, flooding, forest, heathland and mountain fires, agricultural accidents and animal rescues.

Andy Scarratt, watch manager at Chirk fire station, explained:

"We are looking for suitable people who can reach their local fire station within four minutes of being paged for a call out during the daytime hours. Retained personnel are community firefighters providing essential fire and emergency cover for their fire station's area.

"We are looking for both male and female recruits who are enthusiastic and can demonstrate common sense, commitment and dedication to serve especially during the daytime hours at the station.

"They will join a close-knit, highly trained team working with modern, hi-tech equipment. They will also take part in the fire prevention work we carry out to prevent fires happening in our community."

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, with a good standard of physical fitness and the ability to pass aptitude tests.

On top of monthly retaining fees, payments are made to retained firefighters for turnouts, attendance and drill nights.

Anybody who is interested in a career as a retained firefighter in Chirk fire station should contact Ian Williams, county operations manger for Wrexham, on 01978 367870 or leave a message at Chirk Fire Station on 01691 772497.

For more details, please visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk.