Need for more female firefighters

The service is trying to challenge previous stereotypes

More women in Oxfordshire are being encouraged to become firefighters.

At Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue 5% of firefighters are women - one of the highest proportions in the country.

But the service said it wants to reflect the communities it serves and still needs more female applicants and people from ethnic minorities.

A number of open days, where potential recruits can try some of the physical selection tests, are held around the county each year.

The service is looking to fill full-time and retained posts.

More than 40 people - mostly women and people from minority communities - visited Deddington Fire Station, near Banbury on Saturday to find out more about joining up.

"It was really successful for us," said station manager, Simon Belcher.

"We are hopeful that around 90% of the people who came are going to apply."