Changing face of fire

Greater Manchester Fire Service has vowed to recruit more women firefighters and ethnic minority staff.

There are only 74 ethnic minority full-time firefighters, one retained officer and 25 other staff which makes up 3.9% of the total 2,559 staff across Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue.

By 2013, fire chiefs have agreed to recruit 18.1% of new recruits from ethnic minorities — 2% above the population rate locally — and 18% should be women.