A search is on for part-time firefighters at village stations in North Yorkshire.

Tony Dyer, area manager for the county's fire and rescue service in the Ryedale area, said "It is vital that new members are recruited to the service."

"We are looking for able-bodied people, either men or women, aged 18 or over. They do not need to be Superman, but they do need to be reasonably fit.

"To provide cover they must be capable of getting to the fire station within four minutes of receiving an emergency call."

Stations at Pickering, Kirkbymoorside and Robin Hood's Bay are particularly in need of new members he said.

Full training is provided and no experience is necessary, said Mr Dyer.

"What we do ask for is enthusiasm and commitment in helping the community when they need it most," he said.

At Robin Hood's Bay, the station has just recruited its first woman member, Mary Farrell, who completed her basic training at Ripon.