Essex Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed six new firefighters to be stationed around the county. 

The new recruits will complete their basic training course at Maldon Fire Station before joining the stations. 

As on-call firefighters, they will respond to incidents when paged at the stations in Burnham, Clacton, Dovercourt, Dunmow, Leaden Roding and Maldon. 

Chief fire officer Rick Hylton said: “I’d like to thank our six new firefighters for their commitment to their local communities.  

“Our on-call firefighters are a vital part of our fire service and play a huge role in helping to keep Essex safe.  

“Being an on-call firefighter is a big commitment and one we know our recruits, their families and their employers make sacrifices for.  

“We’re incredibly grateful for each and every one of our on-call firefighters and the support they have from their loved ones to help keep their communities safe.  

“Good luck with the rest of your training at your fire stations and I look forward to working with you throughout your careers with us.” 

More than three-quarters of fire stations in Essex are staffed by on-call firefighters, who live or work within five minutes of the fire station.