WOMEN are being urged to join the fire service through a partnership with Widnes Vikings and Warrington Wolves.

In a bid to further increase the number of women firefighters, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has developed an existing partnership with the Warrington Wolves Foundation, whose senior women’s team has embarked on their debut season in the Women’s Championship league, and also the Widnes Vikings Women’s team.

Both teams hope to challenge for promotion to the Women’s Super League this season.

The Cheshire Fire and Rescue crest now appears front and centre of the jerseys of 10 teams across both clubs in total.

Assistant chief fire officer, Gus O’Rourke, said: "Through these partnerships with two of the most famous rugby league teams in the country, we want to send a message to all physically active women across Cheshire that if women can participate in rugby league and other physical sports, then a career in the fire service is no more daunting or demanding, come and speak to us.

"We are all so inspired by these women who are stepping forward and challenging the stereotype that rugby league is a male only sport, equally the fire service has for too long been seen as a white male dominated occupation."

Liam Clark, head of the Viking Sports Foundation, said: "Widnes Vikings are delighted to have partnered with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, as they have shown their support for both our women’s and learning disability rugby league programmes.

"They will be supporting our women’s pathway at both college and first team level, helping develop the next generation of girls aspiring to play rugby league, along with backing our learning disability team, which has gone from strength to strength since its formation.

"Women’s rugby league and learning disability rugby league are two of the fastest growing projects within rugby league, and we are extremely proud of the progress we have made since the formation of both teams.

"We’re looking forward to kick-starting this partnership with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, and with their support we’re confident we can make huge strides forward."