Three generations of a family from Seascale have served their village fire station for more than 45 years.

The Steele family's dedication to the fire service began in 1978 with Chris Steele.

His son Terry joined in 1991 and continues to serve, while Terry's son George became the latest recruit this July.

George Steele, a member of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service's most recent cohort of on-call firefighters, said: "It was the natural progression for me.

"I had grown up in a fire service family and joining the crew was all I ever wanted to do.

"I love it."

Chris Steele, the family's first firefighter, recalls the simplicity of recruitment in 1978.

He said: "I lived in Seascale and had a business in the village and was asked by a friend Harry Twentyman [the then station sub-officer] if I’d like to join the crew.

"There wasn’t a lot more to it back then in terms of recruitment; I went along on drill night and was signed up right there and then, and trained on the job."

Over the years, the nature of call-outs has changed significantly.

Chris and Terry recall the prevalence of chip pan and chimney fires in the 1980s and 1990s, incidents less common today.

Terry said: "Our kit, equipment and technology have advanced so much in my time on the crew.

"We have twice as much gear as we did when I started, which is reflective of the modernisation of the role and the changing nature of call-outs we get."

The Steeles agree that while much has changed in their time with the station, the sense of community spirit and camaraderie remains as strong as ever.

Chris said: "You do it to put something back into your community; to be there for your friends, neighbours when they might need you the most."

Terry added: "You also get a real community atmosphere on an on-call station; over the years we’ve had numerous parties, rummage sales, fundraisers, car washes here – it’s an extension of the family in many ways."

The Steeles, who all work for their family landscaping business Perfectly Planted, are part of a diverse current crew at Seascale, which includes Sellafield workers, farmers, self-employed individuals, and full-time firefighters from other stations.

Watch manager John Whitham said: "There isn’t a typical on-call firefighter.

"Whatever your profession, gender, age, background, if you want to be part of a team, learn lifesaving skills and serve your community - and you live or work close enough to the station that you can respond quickly in an emergency - then come along to our drill night (Mondays 7pm to 9pm) and have a chat with us and see if it is for you."

A spokesperson for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment team added: "If you’re thinking of becoming an on-call firefighter, you will initially need to be at least 18 years old, live within five miles of one of our stations, and have a full UK driving license."

The fire station is holding an open day on Saturday, November 9, from 10am to 1pm where the community is welcome to learn more about the role and take a tour of the station.

Recruitment information will also be available.