Female and black and ethnic minority recruits are the targets of a campaign by the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The force is to hold more than 20 awareness days at job centres across south Wales this month after joining forces with Jobcentre Plus in Wales.

Chief fire officer of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Brian Fraser said: “To create a modern and diverse fire and rescue service, we need to reflect the communities that we serve. We hope by developing a positive action strategy aimed at increasing awareness and interest from the under-represented groups within our community, we will encourage more people from these groups to consider a career as a firefighter.”

Alan Nicholas, Wales marketing manager for Jobcentre Plus, added: “Our dedicated network of job centres and staff will promote the open days within their local areas and provide a service to match the customer’s recruitment needs.”

The open days are advertised on www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk, and the vacancies will be on jobpoint touchscreens in Jobcentre Plus offices and job centres.