York Evening Press reporter Richard Edwards switched from writing about fires to fighting them when he spotted smoke coming out of a drain in the office car park.

Rubbish and dead leaves had caught light in the drain next to the side door, so he grabbed a fire extinguisher and tackled the flames.

Richard (right) said: "It wasn't a very big fire, it's not like I was performing heroics or anything.

"I quite enjoyed it though, I've always fancied snatching a fire extinguisher off a wall and leaping into fire-fighting action. This was just about the right size for me, like a bonfire at the end of the garden."

Despite his exploits, Richard has no plans to ditch his notebook and sign up with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

He said: "You're joking. I'm knackered if I have to run to the pub to catch last orders. I couldn't see myself giving a 15-stone Yorkshireman a fireman's lift."

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