Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has been notified that the National Fire Chiefs Council, the National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services and the Fire Brigades Union had reached an agreement for all fire and rescue service staff to provide further support to the coronavirus pandemic.

The three parties have reached an agreement on a mechanism for fast tracking requests and also have already identified three additional duties.

The agreed activities range from driving ambulances, to delivering essential items and retrieval of bodies.

Chief Fire Officer, Justin Johnston says: "The Service’s first strategic objective is to have an effective and efficient mobilising and emergency response service; however, the county is now facing its biggest challenge since World War 2.

“As a result, we are now looking for an army of volunteers to help provide support to our colleagues from other agencies who will be facing unprecedented demand over the coming the weeks.

"Clearly some activities will suit firefighters and others will suit support staff but this is a team effort and I am encouraged that there have already been over 100 members of staff volunteer in the first two hours following our request being sent to staff.”

Never met a fireman I didn't like. They're the good guys. They'll step up to the mark & do their duty. Massive shout out to the fire bobbies. Saved my family's lives in the past. Keep up the good work & brace your self lads.