After completing 19 weeks of training, a new recruit has joined the team at Borehamwood Fire Station.

Brian Chamberlain is among 18 trainee firefighters to qualify from Longfield Training and Development Centre, in Stevenage, where they were trained in crash rescue, community safety and other skills.

The 20-year-old, who worked in a designer menswear shop before his training, is now qualified to join Borehamwood’s firefighters in their everyday work.

Chief fire officer Roy Wilsher said: “We are pleased to welcome these new recruits into the fire service. They have proved their competence by completing all areas of the course and we hope they will continue to play a key role in their stations across Hertfordshire and help to keep the people of Hertfordshire safe.”

Although Mr Chamberlain has completed his training course, he still has to work a probationary period of two years in which he will have to learn on the job before completing his vocational qualification.

Richard Smith, executive member for community safety, presented certificates to each trainee. He said: “The pass out parade was a very proud moment for all the recruits who have completed this challenging training, proving their hard work and dedication.

“Each one of them has gained an essential grounding in the diverse range of skills needed to be an effective firefighter. These include both operational work and fire prevention, as they will spend a lot of their time in the community, educating people about fire hazards as well as fighting fires.

“I’m sure they will make a great contribution to their stations and the communities they serve.”