FIREFIGHTERS are being sought to join all four crews serving the Forest of Dean.

Three are needed at Lydney and Cinderford, two at Newent and one at Coleford. The vacancies follow recent and forthcoming retirements.

Station liaison manager Chris Martin said it had originally been anticipated the recession would make recruiting easier but the reality had been different.

"People have had to accept work further afield which obviously means they are not always available," he said.

Retained firefighters are expected to live within five minutes of their local station and must make themselves available from home or work on an on-call duty system. They are paid a monthly retainer plus additional for callouts.

Mr Martin said the stations operated a wide range of services and also specialised in tasks such as cliff rescue and road accidents.

The vacancies are open to men and women aged 18 and over and further details are available from Mr Martin on 01452 753333. Recruitment evenings are also being held at Newent on June 6 at 7pm; Lydney on June 7 at 7pm (this will also include Coleford); Cinderford on June 8 at 7pm.