FIRE services are suffering from "epidemic" shortages of retained firefighters, which is hitting emergency cover, a report has warned.

The Fire Brigades' Union said a properly funded recruitment drive was needed urgently, as well as a national campaign to raise awareness.

General secretary Andy Gilchrist said: "The shortage is acute and getting worse. In many areas, a considerable number of fire engines are unavailable every day because of firefighter shortages."

In its report - Off The Run - the union said retained firefighters, who work for other employers but are called on in emergencies, should be valued more highly.

They are typically paid a retainer of £2,500-a-year, plus money for emergency call-outs of up to £14.70.

There are an estimated 18,200 retained firefighters, based largely in rural areas, compared to almost 39,000 full-time employees.

Mick Jones, the union's retained representative in the North-East, said retained staff were still not allowed to join the firefighters' pension scheme and also lagged behind when it came to sick pay.

But George Herbert, County Durham's Chief Fire Officer, said it had its full complement of about 168 retained firefighters.

He said: "Generally speaking, it is not a significant problem here."

Cleveland Chief Fire Officer John Doyle said it also had no problem with levels of retained firefighters.

No one was available for comment from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

The Office of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said the Government had begun a review aimed at boosting the number of retained firefighters.