WHEN Andy Wells’ pager sounds, the 30-year-old immediately drops what he is doing and heads to his local fire station in Sedgefield, County Durham. Unlike Superman, the transformation from depot manager to fireman takes more than a few spins in a phone box but only marginally. For, within five minutes, Mr Wells has joined his crew at the station and is ready to respond to whatever emergency requires his attention.

He is one of more than 180 retained firefighters at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS). These brave men and women are trained to the same standard as full time firefighters and attend exactly the same incidents. In an era of budget cuts and recruitment freezes, their contribution is invaluable, especially in rural towns and villages where many stations rely on them completely.

However, a current shortage of retained firefighters could jeopardise the service and CDDFRS is seeking new recruits to join the ranks.

Steve Cummings, district manager for Sedgefield, Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, says: “Recruiting is an ongoing issue, as people leave the area and personal circumstances change.

“Finding people able to provide daytime cover can be especially difficult because most people tend to work during the day.

“In Sedgefield, we have lost three long serving team members in the last year, two gaining jobs in the Fire Service outside of the area.”

Mr Cummings said it was not possible to provide a permanently staffed fire station in Sedgefield due to the geography of the area and financial pressures.

“This is the only alternative,” he says.

“It is crucial the people of Sedgefield have these retained firefighters.”

Retained firefighters must be over 18-years-old, have good all-round fitness and live within five minutes of the fire station.

They must also be flexible and attend a weekly drill night.

Depending on experience, they are paid an annual fee of between £2,158 and £2,877, based on being available the standard 120 hours per week. They also receive an hourly rate for time spent at an incident or in training, as well a disturbance payment per call out.

However, for the retained crew in Sedgefield, the financial reward is by no means the greatest benefit.

Mr Wells, crew manager, says: “I have been a retained firefighter for five years and it is great to be part of the team. None of us have to do this; we are here because we want to be.

“My working hours meant I had a lot of spare time during the day and it seemed like a worthwhile thing to do. I have friends in the fire service so I knew of the struggle for day cover.”

NHS manager, Ian Thurgood, 53, joined shortly after his 50th birthday.

“I joined for two reasons; I wanted to improve my fitness and I wanted to put something back into the community,” he says.

“I am not from these parts originally, I moved here seven years ago and was made very welcome. This is my way of giving something back.

“My fitness has also improved dramatically. We have to stay in shape and it is has motivated me to start running.”

Nineteen-year-old Luke Walton, meanwhile, hopes it will increase his chances of becoming a full time firefighter.

Learning new skills, such as first aid and advanced driving techniques, and making new friends are among the other advantages cited.

Sedgefield crew members are available between 90 and 120 hours a week but may only attend one or two incidents for a few hours.

The responsibility of being on call could cause tension within relationships but chimney sweep Simon Wilkinson, 40, says most families are understanding and supportive.

“I have a young family and it is all about creating the right balance,” he explains.

“Here in Sedgefield we are quite flexible and cover each other when needed. Most of our friends and family live in the village too. They are proud of us because they understand the importance of what we are doing.”

Anyone interested in joining the Sedgefield crew is welcome to come along to a drill session from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday night.

Alternatively, for Sedgefield or elsewhere in the county, visit ddfire.gov.uk/can-you-be-retained-firefighter or contact Mr Cummings on scummings@ddfire.gov.uk or CDDFRS on 0845 305 8383.