AWARENESS courses have been planned as part of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's on-going commitment to recruiting women and people from ethnic minorities.

One-week courses will be held in July, August, October and November, for the target groups to give a flavour of the Fire Service as a career and the training and preparation needed.

Similar courses last year proved popular and assistant chief fire officer Paul Richardson said that they were found to be worthwhile and informative by participants.

More women and people from ethnic backgrounds applied to join the Brigade following the sessions.

Mr Richardson, responsible for equal opportunities and recruitment for the Lancashire service, added: "The service is a very rewarding and worthwhile career for all sections of the community.

"We see these courses as being of great value in letting people know what the Fire Brigade has to offer them and how they, in turn, can contribute to making Lancashire a safer place.

"Achieving a diverse and representative workforce is seen as a key factor in enabling us to deliver an effective service to the community."