Stories about people

Secretly, I've always fancied being a firefighter - it's not the kit, it's not a weird fascination with fire, tt just seems an interesting job, that combines fitness and being outdoors working as a team. 

I have many friends who work in Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, and one of my closest female friends has been a firefighter for more than 15 years. 

Despite all of this, I was really nervous when I arrived in Malvern for my National Firefighter Entrance Test. 

In the past few years the fire brigade has changed the way it recruits and now everybody does the same six-part test, whether you want to become a full-time firefighter, or join one of the retained units.

Pardon?

Kit on

First of all I put on the kit - it's really heavy and really, really hot! 

The trousers with braces, and thick padded jacket, are all obviously designed to keep fire out, but I'd already started to sweat just standing in the warehouse. 

I also got to put on thick, heavy boots, protective gloves and the iconic yellow fireman's helmet complete with face visor. 

My Godson and his brother would have been very excited, as they adore Fireman Sam, but I was shocked at how difficult it is to move quickly wearing all of the kit.

The first test involved crawling and walking through a specially constructed maze of tunnels. 

I was shown how to always keep my hand on the wall, so I knew where I was, and to feel for the floor beneath me before dropping down.

I had to climb up and over gates, crawl along rollers and also go through a massive flap, so I did feel a bit like my dog at times! 

Crawling through the cage

I managed to get through, but then the hard bit started. 

I was given a grey visor, to simulate smoke, and sent back to do the same maze in reverse. 

I didn't panic, as I was controlling my breathing, but it was very disconcerting, as I couldn't see a thing, and had to rely entirely on touch and sound.

At least I found out that I'm not claustrophobic, which is exactly what the test is designed to see.

Strength tests

Then it was on to two shorter tests - strength and manual dexterity. 

For the strength test I had to simulate a ladder lift, by using a clean and jerk motion to lift a large, weighted iron bar up to my head height. 

I managed that OK, but it didn't surprise me that many people don't quite manage it, and have to go away and work in the gym, before coming back a few months later.

Next up was the manual dexterity test, putting together a piece of equipment by following a series of diagrams. 

I managed this quite quickly, although it wasn't easy wearing the thick gloves. 

I think it helps that I do the rugby commentary for BBC Hereford & Worcester, so I'm used to putting together equipment in the freezing cold!

Then we moved to Malvern Fire Station for the tough parts of the test; the dummy drag, physical test and ladder climb. 

Carry that weight

Bryan Morgan, from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, explained that potential recruits are given a fitness programme to follow, so they can build their strength and cardiovascular levels up before the tests, and I can see why as it was tough. 

Firstly I had to drag a 12 stone dummy around a 30 metre grid, against the clock, and then the hardest test of the six - the physical ability test. 

Against the clock I had to carry various pieces of equipment up and down a 25 metre track -  I was sweltering! 

The sweat was dripping off my face and on to the floor when I finished, but thankfully I managed with a minute to spare - phew!

Up the ladder

After that going up the ladder seemed easy - well, not as exhausting anyway. 

I was shown how to climb a ladder efficiently, with straight arms and moving my legs and arms together.

After what seemed like 50 metres, but I'm told was only about ten, I had to weave my leg through the ladder, balance myself with the other leg, and take both hands off the ladder and lean back. 

I was high up but I felt very secure.  Then after I'd managed to untangle myself I carried on up the ladder for another five metres or so, before descending back to the ground.

Overall I had great fun, and I would seriously consider becoming a retained firefighter if I had a job that was compatible with it. 

Many of the village and small town stations across Herefordshire and Worcestershire desperately need more retained recruits. 

It's a great way of helping the community, making new friends, keeping fit and also boosting your family income. 

The Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are running a series of open sessions, so you can see the tests, and find out more about the recruitment process.

• Kidderminster Fire Station - 18 September  at 7pm.

• Droitwich Fire Station - 23 September at 7pm.

• Whitecross School in Hereford - 27 September from 10 to 4.