A fire and rescue service has called on workers across Tyne and Wear to consider a career change – and said age is not a barrier.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) last month announced they have opened recruitment for whole-time firefighters.

It is part of a recruitment drive that has already seen more than a hundred rookie firefighters join their ranks in just the last two years.

The latest cohort of recruits started their journey to be firefighters bank in January and are well in to their 12-week training programme.

And now the Service have revealed that some of those recruits have made drastic career changes in becoming a firefighter.

One of the recruits is aged in his 40s, while three of his colleagues are aged in their late 30s.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay says that age will not be a barrier to anyone who wants to change their life and fight to keep their community safe.

She said: “Firefighting is a physical job and you need to have high levels of fitness to be able to complete the training and pass out at the end of the course.

“But there are countless examples of people joining TWFRS in their late 30s or 40s and I want to make it clear that age is not a barrier.

“The qualities we most desire are compassion for the residents in Tyne and Wear and a passion to create the safest communities possible.

“Some of our most competent firefighters are older in age and our recruitment will be open to everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or race.

“There will be a home for you here at TWFRS and so if you have a fire burning inside you to keep people safe, then please consider a career as a firefighter.”

New recruits start off with a 12 week training course at TWFRS’s training centre in Washington before being posted to their stations and watches around the region.

Alongside fighting fires and freeing people from trapped cars, TWFRS firefighters interact with the community and provide advice and guidance on how to stay safe and home or at work.

The career offers a competitive starting salary that rises to £32,000 after three years, as well as great benefits like an attractive holiday package, competitive pension, healthcare, access to a range of social and volunteering opportunities and much more.