THE largest ever intake of on-call trainee firefighters has started at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The service says the record recruitment level comes after a spike in applications following a series of campaigns in the past six months.

While previous intakes have had, on average, eight trainees, 26 new starters began the eight-day course last week.

They will learn ladder, hose and fire ground techniques and will do further training to add to their skills on a regular basis, as well as attending weekly drill nights.

Academy Station Manager Jason Boh said: “Having a new intake of on-call firefighters is great news for the people of Hampshire.

“These dedicated life-savers fit being a firefighter in between other jobs and family commitments, and come from all walks of life.

“These people are part of the fabric that holds every fire service in the country together and the world-class training they get at the academy helps make them the best."

There are already other trainees signed up for upcoming courses, including some from the New Forest who signed up after speaking with support officers at the New Forest Show.