PRUDHOE Fire Station will open its doors next Thursday night to encourage members of the public to find out more about becoming a retained firefighter.

Station manager Andy Pogson hopes that by inviting the public along to see what goes on behind the scenes, more people might think about joining the fire service.

Last Thursday night, Coun. John Riddle, the county council’s fire authority chairman, and county councillor for Prudhoe South Coun. Gordon Stewart, visited the station to chat to the retained firefighters and find out more about what they do.

As part of his visit, Coun. Riddle was trying to find out how the service could attract more retained firefighters. Speaking to the group, he said: “One thing I am quite keen on is trying to support retained firefighters in particular. They offer exceptional value for money and I’m aware that one thing you are really successful at is reducing call outs and taking part in fire safety work.”

Coun. Stewart added: “Prudhoe’s a big town which is going to be even bigger in the future. We need a top-notch retained fire service in Prudhoe.

“There is a lot of respect for the fire service and all I get from people around here is great praise.”

Mr Pogson said: “There’s lots of reasons people get involved. While some people might do it for the money, some people say it’s about giving something back into the community in Prudhoe.”

The open night will run from 6pm until 10pm on Thursday, August 31, and retained firefighters will be on hand to answer any questions involving what the job entails.