THE Greenock Coastguard Team is taking on new volunteer rescue officers.

The busy unit deals with around 160 incidents a year around the Clyde coastline and new recruits will be trained in various skills including water rescue, mud rescue, advanced first aid and pyrotechnic and ordnance response.

Applicants must be over 18, stay or work within five to 10 minutes of the team’s base at Greenock Fire Station, have availability during the working day or at night, a driving licence and be physically fit.

Those applying will be subject to a criminal record background check.

Candidates must complete a full medical and be available to attend initial training in Greenock from January 23-27 and the weekends of February 11-12 and March 4-5.

To apply email area4@mcga.gov.uk for a pack.

The closing date for applications is September 11.