A town fire station is hoping to rely on strong community spirit as it launches a drive for more retained firefighters.

Hingham Fire Station is on the hunt for volunteers to join its diverse line-up, which includes a builder, prison warder, upholsterer and baker.

Out of the 110 calls attended by the crew last year, a third were road crashes, with others including house fires, chimney fires, small animal rescues and incidents at the nearby HM Prison Wayland.

Retained firefighters carry an alarm with them to respond to 999 calls from their homes and jobs whenever they are logged as available.

Scott Field, temporary crew manager, said: 'I joined in 2002 and in 2006 I was made redundant from my job in the town. A job came up for the search and rescue side of things and I still work for the service full-time now.

'The role only came my way because I was a retained firefighter so there are plenty of benefits in the long run. It is an ideal role for someone who is hoping to becoming a whole time firefighter and you learn an awful lot.'

Training will cover driving fire engines, pump operation, providing water for fire-fighting and entering smoke-filled spaces to rescue casualties.

There are no height restrictions, but to apply you must be aged over 18. You must also live, work or spend your time within five minutes of the Norwich Road station.

You will be required to attend the weekly Thursday drill night and a two-week induction course.

If you are interested, contact operational support officer Jennie Schamp on 07557200799 or jennifer.schamp@fire.norfolk.gov.uk

Do you have a Hingham story? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk