Farmers and shop workers: The firefighters on-call

Jonner Robinson worked as a dairy farmer alongside being an on-call firefighter

A man who achieved a childhood dream by becoming a firefighter is urging other people to consider joining the service.

Jonner Robinson from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, began by working in an on-call role alongside his day job as a dairy farmer before finally becoming a full-time watch manager.

Many fire and rescue services, including Northumberland, have reported problems recruiting and retaining on-call firefighters and the issue has been discussed in a parliamentary debate.

Mr Robinson said many people did not know about the role but it was "crucial" and "without them we couldn't operate as effectively as we do".

Mya Malthouse, 20, fits in her on-call role alongside her job as a sales assistant

On-call firefighters do the role alongside their full-time jobs and are paid a retaining fee plus an hourly rate for training and call-outs.

You usually need to live within a five minute journey of your station, which can be challenging in rural areas.

In 2023, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service was experiencing "significant" difficulties in recruiting enough on-call firefighters.

"At Bishop Auckland, our on-call firefighters are made up of mechanics, facility managers, chefs, paramedics and business owners," Mr Robinson said.

"The sacrifice that both they and their families make so they can contribute to the service is amazing."

Mya Malthouse, 20, works as a shop assistant but is also an on-call firefighter at Durham Fire Station.

"My mam is really proud I have joined the service as it's something she wanted to do as well," she said.

"I am the first person in my family to become a firefighter and they are really supportive," she added.

CDDFRS said no experience was necessary and full training would be provided.

Mr Robinson said he thought some people were put off from applying because they felt "they wouldn't fit in or be accepted for who they are".

"My advice for anyone who is interested is just give it a go," he said.

Additional reporting by James Robinson from the Local Democracy Reporting Service