YOUNG mums could be the answer to a mini recruitment crisis that has hit Upton fire crews.

A dozen firefighters are needed to provide the minimum level of cover needed for the town and a spate of retirements has left just ten.

Spokesman Alec Mackie said that, as nearly half its call-outs take place during office hours, the brigade has launched a recruitment drive with the intention of tempting young mums to join.

"We're having difficulty covering that period of time," he said.

"If there are indeed any young mums, probably with small children at home during the day, who want to join, the brigade will actively pursue the possibility of providing child care in the town."

Any healthy adult, male or female, living or working within four minutes of the fire station, is welcome to join, as long as they have good eyesight, can give up the time and can attend weekly training sessions.

Recruits are paid from £1,316.25 to £1,920 a year, as well as £20.09 for each incident attended and £11.42 per weekly training session.

n An open day takes place at the fire station tomorrow (Saturday), from 1pm to 4pm. Anyone curious about signing up should attend, log on to http://www.hwfire. org.uk/ or contact the brigade's personnel department on 01905 24454.