LANCASHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is to launch a new scheme to support their non-emergency services with volunteers.

The service is appealing for people to contribute their time, energy and skills to the scheme with the aim of better connecting communities to their local fire station.

Volunteers will be working alongside paid members of the service on a wide range of projects.

For example, local volunteers may have the time and the opportunity to approach a vulnerable individual or household as a neighbour, gaining their trust and helping with a home fire safety check.

Volunteers may also help with support after a fire.

People with no immediate assistance available to them from relatives or trusted neighbours may find a house fire so devastating that it costs them their independence.

A network of volunteers may be able to kick start help immediately after a fire that will help return the victims back to their normal lives.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service also owns a number of vintage fire engines that could be maintained and displayed by volunteers at community safety events.

Peter Holland, chief fire officer for Lancashire, said: "Volunteers are a rich source of knowledge, skills and abilities and we should give as many people as possible an opportunity to contribute to our work."

The chosen candidates will be working with other volunteers and paid staff where they will gain essential training and support.

Mr Holland added: "We aim to offer an interesting and rewarding range of activities, which will enable people to contribute towards delivering excellence in our service and in doing so make a real contribution to their communities."

The volunteers will have a strong link with Lancashire police, aiming to stop arson and analyse emergency calls for important information.

Time will also be dedicated to youths through the fire service's Prince's Trust team programme and Young Firefighter unit.

Pat Rowell, 66, from Darwen, was the first person to put her name down on the list to be a volunteer after serving 37 as an emergency call operator for Lancashire Fire and Rescue.

She said she was looking forward to starting as a volunteer in her retirement and continuing the use of her life-saving skills.

For more information on this scheme please contact John Taylor on 01772 866939.