A dance teacher, lifeguard, a nurse and an actor are among the next generation of firefighters set to keep North East communities safe.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have proudly announced that 20 new trainee firefighters have passed out and will begin their career as a firefighter.

The trainee firefighters began their 14-week training programme in January and have been learning the skills needed to respond to emergencies.

This cohort has seen a dance teacher; a lifeguard, an actor, and a nurse take the leap into the life of a firefighter.

Four of the trainee firefighters are also be women, showing the increasing level of diversity in the firefighters here in Tyne and Wear.

Today (Thursday) Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther, who will retire later this year, has welcomed the trainee firefighters into the Service.

He said, “It’s an honour and privilege to watch these new trainee firefighters pass out and become the firefighters of the future.

“This is the last passing out parade I will be attending as Chief and it’s been one of the biggest privileges of my career to see new trainee firefighters pass their course and go on to save lives in the community.

“I’ve spent 26 years as a firefighter, meeting and helping people in all walks of life and I hope that each of these new firefighters love the role as much as I have.

“Our trainee course is tough, but it prepares them for life on station where their learning will continue under the supportive eye of their watch which will become like their family.”

Firefighter training involves teaching recruits how to operate a fire pump, hose running, Road Traffic Collison (RTC) rescue, First Aid as well as community safety activity.

The trainees have undergone weekly firefighting drills, written exams and a rigorous fitness regime to ensure they are prepared to protect the public.

Whole time recruitment for firefighters at TWFRS will re-open in 2024 and those interested in the career can pre-register for alerts at www.twfire.gov.uk.