NEW apprenticeships to become a firefighter with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service are being launched.

Anyone who is aged over 17 when the apprenticeships start begin on May 1, 2017, can apply.

Over the 24-month course, apprentices will begin with business fire safety training and then progress to operational training.

Recruitment opens at 9am on Thursday, October 20, through New College Durham website but you don't have to be a student there to enrol.

The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday, November 7, 2016.

Chief Fire Officer Stuart Errington said: "We are backing the government’s drive to recruit more apprentices as part of an initiative which we feel will benefit our Service as well as provide valuable opportunities and training for young people across the region.

"We already have apprentices working with us in business administration and as vehicle technicians but this is the first time we have been able to offer firefighter roles.

"We are looking forward to the recruitment process and welcoming enthusiastic candidates, keen to develop a wide range of skills."