A drive for volunteers to help the county's firefighters save lives has been launched through a new partnership.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue has teamed up with Voluntary Norfolk in a bid to recruit more good samaritans into its ranks to support crews working in the community as they spread their message of fire safety.

The force offers various roles for volunteers - who work to raise awareness of the risks fire can present - and Voluntary Norfolk is now seeking out people who can fill these roles.

Jonny Wood, team leader for the organisation's north office, said one of the aims of the partnership was to promote the wider role the fire service plays.

'It's not something remote that just appears when you're in an emergency,' he added. 'We're looking to get volunteers involved with the fire service so they can do a lot more and achieve a lot more.

'All the issues about safety in the home and smoke alarms the fire service can help with and that's what volunteers would be trained to assist with.'

To celebrate the launch of the partnership an open day was held at North Walsham fire station today .

Visitors were able to find out more about the roles available to fire service volunteers as well as getting a glimpse at one of the station's fire engines. Ghoulish face painting was also on offer and enjoyed by young and old alike.

? If you are interested in joining the service as a volunteer drop into one of the Voluntary Norfolk branches in Cromer, Norwich, Great Yarmouth or Thetford.