WOMEN and people from ethnic minorities are being urged to sign up for the fire service on awareness days this weekend.

Organisers of the sessions, being held at Accrington today and Blackburn fire station tomorrow , are aimed at encouraging more to join the service.

They believe that the public perception of the service as a white, male-dominated service prevents many from applying, while often women believe they do not have the strength to attempt traditionally male jobs such as fireman's lifts.

But managers say it is up to women and ethnic minorities themselves to change that.

Station commander at Blackburn, Jim Owen, said: "We are standing here with open arms waiting for people to join us. It is up to those under-represented groups to change things, because the fire service is actively chasing them. The barriers are about stereotype.

"Some people will not feel they are strong enough to carry someone up a ladder, but there is no reason why a woman of good physical health could not complete the role of the firefighter."

Potential recruits need to be over 18 and under 55 and there are no height restrictions, but recruits need to be physically fit.

People attending need to wear jeans and trainers for the day, as they will be given a few minor tasks to test their upper body strength, such as using some of fire service the equipment involved.

Mr Owen said: "This is not a case of the fire service lowering its standards, it is a case of the service recognising that if it is to serve its community it needs to be representative of the community."

If anyone interested is unable to attend, they can get an application pack by ringing 01772 866791.