Reporter Joanne Hampson donned helmet, boots and breathing apparatus when she turned firefighter for a day to draw attention to career opportunities for women with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

According to the 1998 figures, out of 38,119 full-time firefighters in England, Scotland and Wales, just 251 were women.

So Joanne, who works on the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, worked alongside Green Watch at the Byrom Street station, in Blackburn, to find out what the job entails.

She told readers it's a popular misconception that when firefighters aren't tackling flames they are sitting around improving their snooker technique.

So to correct that impression, Joanne explained about the packed day of team games and circuit training, drill exercises and training, fire safety work - in schools, factories, health centres and residential homes - and appliance and equipment checks, which she took part in.

"From what I saw in one day it can be a demanding and challenging job, but ultimately very satisfying," she wrote.

"So will I be trading my shorthand notebook for a hose reel? I'd certainly consider it! I'll let you know after my next pay review..."

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