TWO thousand leaflets are being distributed and banners put up in Callington encouraging people to become retained firefighters in the town.

A special open day is being held at the fire station on April 10 where members of the fire service's human resources and training departments will be on hand to explain what is involved in becoming a firefighter.

The Callington crew have been struggling to recruit new members over the past year and despite appeals in the press, the response has been minimal. One of the reasons is believed to be that many people work away from Callington and are not available during the day.

The station needs to up its crew to 12 so firefighters are able to have days off and not be on call seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Over the last year officers have had to miss out on holidays, put their social lives on hold and gone without day trips out with their families.

Speaking to Callington town council last week fire officer Martin Wingrove, who is responsible for East Cornwall, said the fire service was looking at more flexible contracts, employers in the town were being targeted and leaflets being distributed.

Applicants have to be over 18. There is no upper age limit but you have to be medically fit and complete a series of assessments to succeed.