A shortage of part-time firemen in north Wales could be solved by recruiting more women as firefighters - according to a union leader.

The North Wales Fire Service cannot guarantee emergency cover in a number of areas in the daytime and regional chairman for the Fire Brigades Union in Wales Keith Mangnall thinks women could be the answer.

"We've been trying for quite some time to recruit people for 24-hour cover but unfortunately we've been unsuccessful," he said.

"We have suggested the idea of ladies who have young children at school during the day to be part-time firefighters."

Bubbling under

The north Wales service already has six female part-time firefighters and two full-timers with two more going to training school in January.

"I think interest is bubbling under," added Mr Mangnall.

Part-time firefighter Louise Purtill has been with the service for five years and thinks other women should join in.

"It's really good fun," she said.

Responsibilities

"You do a week's training which is basic firefighting skills then you can go out on a run.

"But then you have to go for a further two weeks to do breathing apparatus training which is quite tough.

Miss Purtill said the world of firefighting used to be a man's world but thought ladies were catching up.

"The door is opening to more women," she added.

"The responsibilities are quite high, you do have to go out to fires. But, like some of the women say, there's all the sexy firemen!"