CONGRATULATIONS are in order after nine Penketh residents graduated as on call firefighters and are getting ready to move into the new fire station being built on Widnes Road.

In the last five months the nine recruits have worked hard to complete a tough training programme which ended with a parade and drill demonstrations in front of chief fire office, Paul Hancock, deputy chair of Cheshire Fire Cllr Stef Nelson, fellow firefighters, family and friends.

The graduation ceremony took place at Widnes Fire Station and Paul Hancock said: "Working with the fire and rescue service is a thoroughly rewarding experience.

“It gives individuals the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds and meet people in the community as well as responding to emergency incidents within Cheshire."

On call firefighters come from all walks of life, including stay at home mums, people who work full time in other jobs and those who work part time.

They respond to emergency calls several times a week, take part in community activities and are well paid for their work.

Cllr Nelson said: "We take great pride in the quality of our firefighters and in their commitment to serving the public and the communities of Cheshire.

"For me, as Deputy Chair of the Fire Authority and as a local councillor, I take even greater pride in seeing local people compelled to give something back to keep their friends and neighbours safe.

"As an Authority we always want to provide the best possible fire and rescue service.  We hope that, as new on-call firefighters, they already feel that they are helping us to achieve that goal."

Penketh Fire Station is due to open later this year and for more information about on call firefighter recruitment visit cheshirefire.gov.uk/jobs/on-call-firefighter-recruitment.