NINE residents have successfully passed out as on-call firefighters for a new fire station.

The new recruits from all walks of life will work alongside full time firefighters at the new Penketh fire station beside Fiddlers Ferry on Widnes Road when it opens later this year.

The team includes shopkeepers, mums, builders, plumbers, farmers, secretaries, company directors and the unemployed.

Firefighters Sophie Cowle, Stephen Grounds, James Giblin, Andrew Humphreys, Andrew Rhodes, Rob Hawthorn, Alex Goodrum and Michel Dutton were welcomed at a ceremony at Widnes Fire Station.

The ninth recruit Thomas Lampartar was on honeymoon but will be presented with his certificates on his return.

Over the last five months the team has completed their training that culminated in a pass-out parade that included a drill demonstration in front of the chief fire officer, Paul Hancock, deputy chairman of Cheshire Fire Authority Halton Cllr Stef Nelson, firefighters and family and friends.

Halton Cllr Nelson said: "As a councillor, I take even greater pride in seeing local people compelled to give something back to keep their friends and neighbours safe.

“We hope that as new on-call firefighters they already feel that they are helping us to achieve that goal."

Paul Hancock, Cheshire Fire and Rescue's Chief Fire Officer, said: "Working with the fire and rescue service is a thoroughly rewarding experience.

“It gives individuals the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds and meet people in the community as well as responding to emergency incidents within Cheshire."

Firefighters don't just fight fires. Attending community events and acting as ambassadors is also an important part of the role.

And it is not a voluntary position, on-call firefighters are paid well for the work they do.