FIRE chiefs have launched a recruitment drive to address a shortage of part-time community firefighters.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue is targeting men and women who can help provide crucial emergency cover in several parts of the county.

The brigade says it is particularly keen to sign up recruits who could provide day-time cover in the Masham, Northallerton, Bedale, Easingwold and Stokesley areas.

Earlier this year, a national report by the Fire Brigades Union claimed there were "epidemic" shortages of community firefighters in a number of areas across the UK which was getting worse.

It said the situation meant that a considerable number of fire engines were sitting idle every day.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Anderson, of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: "In certain areas, we are well-off for community firefighters, because there is a good population base in terms of industry and housing.

"However, in dormitory areas where people tend to commute to work elsewhere, it is more difficult for us because people are just not there during the day."

The brigade has been set a target of reducing the number of accidental deaths and injuries caused by fire by 40 per cent over the next ten years and says newly recruited community firefighters will play an important part in reducing fire risks. Community firefighters, also known as retained firefighters, work for other employers but are called on in the event of emergencies.

They receive a basic wage and expenses and receive additional payments for call-outs. They also get four weeks paid holiday.

There are 21 retained fire stations across North Yorkshire, outnumbering the number of stations staffed permanently by full-time firefighters in the county.

The Government has come under pressure to pledge more resources in order to attract community firefighters and recently began a review aimed at boosting their number.