A semi-professional footballer who scored in a Wembley final is set to swap penalty-spot scrambles for the fire pole as he begins a new career as a firefighter.

Luke Carr is one of 10 new recruits joining the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS).

The 31-year-old, from Westerhope, started an intensive 14-week training course in September and is set to pass out as a firefighter on December 6.

He will join the Service after a football career that saw him play for several North East clubs including Gateshead, Newcastle Blue Star, Dunston, and Consett.

Carr also played for Morpeth Town where he scored a Wembley goal as the Highwaymen won the FA Vase Trophy in 2016.

Beginning life at Newcastle United’s academy, Carr even played in Australia for the Holland Park Hawks in the Brisbane Premier League before returning home.

He said: "I’m really proud of my football career but I am so excited to begin this next chapter."

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After working on a factory production line following his return from Australia, Luke decided to apply for the service. It was his stepdad, Warren Metcalfe, a crew manager at High Handenhold, who inspired him to become a firefighter.

"It was seeing how proud he was to be a firefighter and hearing him talk about how much he enjoys the job that made me want to go for it," Carr said.

"Every day is different and the shifts also enable you to spend more time with family."

Despite the tough training, Luke is relishing his new role and particularly enjoyed the breathing apparatus training.

He said: "The training has been tough as it is a lot to take on mentally and physically, but I didn’t expect it to be easy and I am getting better every day."

Luke is now looking forward to starting work at fire stations across County Durham and Darlington before being assigned a permanent station and watch.

For those considering a similar career change, he said: "Definitely apply for it and make sure you prepare properly.

"It is going to be a hard course, but it will all be worth it in the end."