WOMEN across North Yorkshire are being encouraged to start a new career as fire-fighters.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are holding the recruitment events to attract a wide range of applicants from all sections of the community, but with a particular focus on women.

Owen Hayward, area manager, said: "Traditionally, we have not attracted many women applicants for the role of firefighter, therefore a particular focus during this campaign is on informing women that the fire and rescue service can provide a challenging and rewarding career.

"Today, the job of a firefighter is as much about alerting the public to the causes of fire and other dangers, as it is responding to emergencies.

"A great deal of time is spent educating the young and engaging the old, getting out into the community and getting through to people from all backgrounds."

During the awareness events, staff will on hand to share their experiences of being firefighters.