Charing fire station is holding a special open day event on Saturday 23 June in the hope of attracting some new on-call firefighter recruits.

Residents are invited to come along with their families between 10am and 3pm to meet the fire crew and learn more about what it is like to be an on-call firefighter.

Families will be offered fire and road safety advice and have the chance to request a free safe and well visit, as well as finding out more about the extra help available to vulnerable loved-ones.

Children will get to climb aboard the fire engine and have a close-up look at the equipment that firefighters use to deal with a range of fire and rescue emergencies.

Crew Manager Nigel Collins, who has been an on-call firefighter for 13 years said: “All kinds of people can be on-call firefighters and Charing is looking for both men and women to join their team.”

On-call firefighters are required to live or work within five minutes travelling time from a local on-call fire station and are paid to be available for an agreed number of hours. During that time, they are able to carry on their normal life, but are paid to be available when an incident comes in. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a good level of all-round fitness.

“I love being able to give something back to the community as an on-call firefighter and it would be great to encourage more people to join us.”

He added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and giving people a chance to meet us, find out more about what we do and see if it could be for them.”

There will be face painting for little ones and refreshments will be available, including hot drinks and cakes.

Other on-call stations currently recruiting include Hawkhurst, Tenterden, Marden, Westerham and Headcorn.

Find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter and for a full list of recruiting stations.