Firefighters in action dealing with a fire at a takeaway in Preston city centre Pic: Tony Worrall

A chance to join Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is being offered – and a way in to becoming a firefighter.

Fulwood fire station has a fire cadet unit voluntary role on offer and the force is also looking for retained firefighters at various locations.

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The nearest stations to Preston which want retained firefighters are Garstang, Wesham, Longridge, Bamber Bridge and Tarleton.

What is a retained firefighter?

They have another job but provide on-call cover from their home or place of work.

When a pager alerts them they must be within five minutes travel time of the fire station.

You’ll be needed so many hours per week (between 60 to 120 hours), but the fire service needs retained firefighters from 6am to 6pm on weekdays and 24-hours on weekends.

Retained firefighters get paid the same hourly rate as a full-time firefighter, and an additional payment if they are on call.

The closing date for retained firefighters is Friday 13 January.

Read more: BAE to recruit new apprentices for Preston bases

What about the cadet unit?

Fire service cadets are aged 13 to 15 and in Preston it operates from Corpus Christi Catholic High School in St Vincent’s Road, Fulwood.

They meet every Tuesday from 2.45pm to 5.45pm.

Cadets help train young people abpout fire safety and also can undertake physical activities.

What about full-time firefighters?

A firefighter leaves the florists in Friargate Pic: Tony Worrall

The fire service is due to recruit some in the coming months.

How can I find out more?

Preston Fire Station is throwing open its doors on Sunday 19 February to explain more about being a firefighter.

From 2pm to 4.30pm the station will be open for the public to come and look round and ask questions. Everyone is welcome and you’ll also be able to try out the physical tests you need to do if you wish to become a firefighter.

You can see details on how to apply on the fire service website.