Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is launching a new campaign - only its second in a decade - to recruit full-time firefighters.

A series of taster days are taking place this week around the county to give an insight in to what life is like for today's wholetime crews.

The sessions will let visitors 'have a go' at practical tests and meet some of those working for the service now.

Sessions are being held at Barrow Fire Station today. Tomorrow (TUES) they will be at Kendal and it is the turn of Workington Fire Station on Wednesday.

Thursday the events are in Carlisle, at the city's East fire station in Eastern Way, and Friday will be the turn of Penrith.

All sessions will be run at 3pm-4.30pm and 6.30pm-8pm apart from Penrith, where there will be one between 2pm and 4pm.

Steve Healey, Cumbria County Council’s chief fire officer, said: "Responding to incidents and emergencies will always be a key part of a firefighter’s role, but we also place great emphasis on being able to educate and inform people from all ages and backgrounds on fire prevention, community safety and the wider health and wellbeing agenda."

Candidates should have a 'strong work ethic, passion and commitment', he said. Female candidates, black and minority ethnic groups and the LGBT community are encouraged.

It comes amid a drive to recruit fresh faces to the blue light services.

Cumbria Constabulary is also looking to welcome new faces. It is holding its own recruitment events today at Workington Police Station and at Carlisle's Durranhill station on Wednesday. They both start at 7pm.

A final event will be at Barrow Police Station next Monday (OCT 1) at 7pm.

Last week, the NHS organised a Blue Light careers day at the University of Cumbria which attracted more than 650 young people from across the county.

* Find out what jobs are available in Cumbria at www.cn-jobs.co.uk