FIRE bosses have said more crews are needed to provide fire cover for residents in North Yorkshire.

At an open day held at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's Easingwold Training Centre this weekend, station managers said more recruits were needed to join "retained" or part time crews.

Cecil Pugh, station manager for Selby and Tadcaster, said fire fighters could get called out to an emergency at any time of day or night, but that employers are often reluctant to be flexible.

He said: "We have significant problems in being able to employ people who can provide cover during the day time.

"Employers are much more reluctant to release their employees while they are at work.

"We are principally looking for daytime cover from people who either live or work within five minutes of the fire station so they can respond to the station within a reasonable time."

Retained firefighters provide on-call cover from home or work, and are alerted to emergencies by their pager.

Mr Pugh said the number of times people were called out varied throughout the year, with factors such as flooding meaning crews receive frequent calls for help.

Stations in North Yorkshire currently looking for recruits are Helmsley, Malton, Pickering, Sherburn, Easingwold and Thirsk, as well as Boroughbridge and Knaresborough.

Retained fire fighters can earn up to £100 a week for attending callouts, and two hours training per week.

But Mr Pugh, who has been in the service for more than 21 years, said it was about more than just money.

He said: "There are plenty of opportunities for personal development.

"Ultimately, it's about serving the community."

For more details log on to northyorksfire.gov.uk or phone 01609 788563/788533.