Are you ready for a challenge and looking to earn extra money?

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging people who live in the areas of Tywyn in South Gwyneddand Betws Y Coed in Conwy to consider a career as a retained firefighter.

Tywyn and Betws Y Coed fire stations are looking to recruit retained firefighters who live or work within 5-6 minutes driving, walking or cycling response time of the fire stations, to protect the local community and is keen to hear from enthusiastic individuals interested in working as part time firefighters at their local station.

John Morgan, Response Manager for South Gwynedd and Russ Vaughan, Response Manager for Cownwy, explain: "Retained staff are community firefighters providing essential fire and emergency cover for their fire station's area. We are looking for suitable individuals, in particular those available during the day, but are also willing to provide evening and weekend cover."

"These people might be builders, shopkeepers, factory workers, nurses or housewives during working hours but we would ask that, in addition, retained firefighters are available to attend emergency incidents as and when required."

"Firefighters are fully trained, highly skilled personnel, saving lives and property from fire. Retained firefighters provide expertise at road, rail and aircraft crashes, chemical spillage, flooding, forest, heathland and mountain fires, agricultural accidents and animal rescues.

"We are looking for both male and female recruits who are enthusiastic and can demonstrate common sense, commitment and dedication. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service provides close-knit, highly trained teams working with modern, hi-tech equipment and wear cutting edge firefighting kit. Recruits will also take part in the fire prevention work we carry out to prevent fires happening in our community."

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, they must possess a good standard of physical fitness and have the ability to pass aptitude tests. In addition to their monthly retaining fees, payments are made for turnouts, attendance and drill nights.

Many employers are aware of the essential role that retained fire and rescue service personnel carry out within their local communities and many release staff to carry out firefighting and other emergency duties.

Those interested in a career as a retained firefighter at Tywyn fire station are invited to come along to an open day event which will be held at the station on Tuesday 26^th June 2012 from 10:00am to 4.00pm. Anyone who wishes to request an application form should contact Mary Morris on 01745 535263 (during office hours 9:00am-5.00pm) or email mary.morris@nwales-fireservice.org.uk.

Those interested in a career as a retained firefighter at Betws-y-Coed fire station are invited to come along to an open day event which will be held at the station on Friday 22^nd June 2012 from 10:00am to 4.00pm. Anyone who wishes to request an application form should contact Carol Swain on 07825203962 or Mary Morris on 01745 535263 (during office hours 9:00am-5.00pm) or email mary.morris@nwales-fireservice.org.uk.

For more details and opportunities for a career as a retained firefighter in stations across North Wales, please visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk.