A DESPERATE call for firefighters in Callington is being made again after an appeal last year failed to produce any response.

Despite articles in the local press and newsletters, no-one came forward to apply, meaning the present crew of nine are severely stretched.

Over the last year, crew members have had to miss out on holidays, put their social lives on hold and have gone without day trips out with their families.

Station commander Kevin Rookley said: 'Ideally, we would like 12 so it could mean we could have the odd weekend off and that would make all the difference.

'We have had the problem of getting new recruits over the past two or three years. Callington is basically a commuter town for Plymouth and lots of people live here but do not work in the town.'

Among the criteria for being a retained or part-time firefighter is that you live or work within four minutes of the fire station. This is a requirement fewer people are able to meet in this day and age, said Mr Rookley.

But for those who can there are many benefits, as Callington Portreeve Rick Lumley saw when he attended a training night recently.

'There was no mistaking the sense of camaraderie and togetherness,' said Mr Lumley, who is helping the recruitment drive with other town councillors.

'Anyone who becomes a firefighter will get an enormous boost to their CV as they develop personal skills such as teamwork, quick thinking, using initiative, taking responsibility, communication skills and keeping calm in difficult situations. Being a firefighter also requires commitment and self-discipline.'

Firms who employee firefighters gain from their emergency skills training, health and safety, first aid and fire-related training.

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.

The role of a fire officer ranges from giving advice and fitting smoke alarms to raising public awareness of the dangers of fire at events and attending fire and road traffic accidents.

An open day is being held on April 10 at Callington Fire Station from 10am to 4pm but anyone who wants to see some action before that can pop into the fire station in South Hill Road between 7pm and 9pm on a Monday night.