ONE of the three new firefighters who began their careers at Selby Fire Station this week has spoken of her pride at joining the service.

Nicola Goodwill, 28, is the first firefighter in her family and began her first tour at Selby this week following the gruelling 12-week training course.

She said: “I worked at an estate agent’s as a sales negotiator up until January, then I went to a paint shop in Malton until I started my training in February.

“This is something I always wanted to do. I first applied when I was 18, but only got so far.

“At 21 I got married and I was divorced last year at the end of November, so I thought I would give it one last go.”

Miss Goodwill, who grew up in Malton, said she applied to join North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service in June and, following a series of tests, finally got the letter she had been waiting for just before Christmas.

“My family are very proud,” she said. “We had a passing out day and it was nice for them to see that.

“At the moment I just want to be here to be a firefighter, but I want to progress. They give you as much preparation as they can for everything so I know what to expect.”

Firefighter Goodwill is one of six new recruits who have taken up positions throughout North Yorkshire.

Three of those are at Selby while the others will be stationed at Whitby, Ripon and Tadcaster.

Station manager Andy Blades, who has overseen the recruits’ training, said: “I’m delighted these six firefighters have graduated successfully from their training.

“This will now continue on the job, and over the next two years or so they will be working hard to gain extra qualifications under the mentorship of experienced fire fighters from their respective fire stations, and indeed other staff from throughout North Yorkshire and the city of York.”