Free of the BA set, I moved on to the 50kg dead weight lift.

We need to be able to lift the weight... it is heavier than anything a firefighter is likely to have to cope with doing the job.

However, the machine and I didn't quite hit it off.

Every time I lifted the thing, I staggered a bit, which is definitely not allowed.

Apparently it's because I have a short torso and long legs. Well that's my excuse anyway.

Next stop was the back pull... and I failed again. But I still say the description on the side of the piece of equipment of how to use it was misleading.

Slowly a pattern was beginning to emerge as I tried the hand grip. Again I failed.

I suddenly felt incredibly weedy and increasingly sure that a career as a firefighter was not ahead of me.

Assistant Divisional Officer Andy Bettison told me the trick was to prepare myself at home by squeezing a couple of squash balls.

Do that often enough and I'm told I'd have a pretty impressive handshake.

Following my dismal performance at the various indoor exercises, I trooped outside, feeling a little more humble.

I was faced with a reel of hose and to pass the final exam you have to be able unroll and roll it six times within eight minutes. I probably managed it once in that time.

Having said that, the cleaning staff sitting outside the school seemed to think I was doing just fine and gave me a encouraging cheer, although maybe they were just being kind.

Staff from the service's personnel department were on hand to advise applicants and answer any queries they had.

Fitness trainer Gareth Evans, who was overseeing the strength tests, helped by raising the odd chuckle as I sulked each time I failed.

But I was determined not to go home feeling a complete failure. So I had one last go at the dead weight lift — and I'm proud to say there was no staggering and I passed.

Even so, I think I'd better start on the spinach if I ever decide to change my mind and opt for a career in the fire service.