YOU could be relaxing after the school run, busy at work or in the middle of shopping when the call comes; minutes later you are weaving through traffic, siren screaming, on the way to help avert a tragedy.

If you have ever harboured a desire to be an on-call firefighter, then an opportunity to turn the dream into reality is coming your way.

Abergavenny Fire Station will be hosting an Open Day with the emphasis on recruitment on Saturday, September 23.

Station commander at Abergavenny, Steve Cooper, emphasised the need for new recruits and stressed the roles are open to anyone who can tick a few simple boxes.

If you are over seventeen and a half and can pass a medical that’s a good start. You will also need to sit an entry test that would look at maths, English and problem solving.

The Fire Service is an equal opportunities employer but at present are under-represented locally in terms of female fire fighters and so Steve would be particularly please to see potential female recruits.

‘If you can get to Abergavenny Fire Station within five minutes while on call and you fulfil the other criteria we would be delighted to see you on the day,’ he stated.

Mothers, for instance, would be welcome as duties can often be arranged around school times and child care requirements.

Elizabeth Sharpe is a mother of three and also a carer for her 90-year-old dad. As well as working for a local surgery, delivering medications, she is an on-call fire fighter.

‘What makes it special for me is that I am a part of the community I serve; it’s a chance to make a difference’, she stated.

Claire Amor is a crew manager with responsibility for leading the team on a ‘shout’. She also works within the Fire Service, covering the whole of greater Gwent as part of the fire crime unit with responsibility for tackling anti social behaviour, she shared Elizabeth’s view stating, ‘The best part of the job is knowing you are serving your community.’

Abergavenny Fire Station relies on on-call fire fighters and responds to around 600 calls per year, covering a huge swathe of north Monmouthshire including a part of the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road.

‘Anyone uncertain about giving it a go can get in touch for an informal chat - Wednesdays are best, or simply turn up on the day.’ said Steve.