CHESHIRE Fire has become a trailblazer for equal rights after being named the eighth best employer in the UK for minority staff.

In 2016, the organisation was ranked 13th in LGBT charity Stonewall’s top 100 but this year it has jumped into the top 10 and is the best performing emergency service in the country.

It is the fifth year Cheshire Fire has been featured on the list, which looks at how companies engage with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Bob Rudd, chair of Cheshire Fire, said: “We are delighted to be recognised by Stonewall as a leader for LGBT diversity and inclusion. The index is a powerful way to help us demonstrate to our staff and the communities of Cheshire that we are here to support everyone, regardless of their background, sexual orientation or gender identity.”

More than 430 employers asked to be included on the list, which used staff feedback questionnaires and other figures to rank organisations.

Stonewall praised Cheshire Fire for its focus on supporting the community, looking at the safety risks faced by LGBT people and rooting out bullying.

The service’s cadet programmes, Prince’s Trust initiative, school visits and other safety projects also boosted their rating.

Chief fire officer Paul Hancock said: “I am so very proud of the staff.

“Despite progress, there are still very low numbers of visible operational gay and bisexual staff across the fire and rescue service, although this is slowly changing. Our aim is to make sure that all our staff feel able to be themselves, give their all and be open at work.”

For information visit cheshirefire.gov.uk/jobs.