WILTSHIRE Fire Brigade has made its physical aptitude test easier for older recruits to help solve a staff shortage.

The brigade has also made changes to the order of the different tests applicants have to undergo.

But Eugene Johnson, Wiltshire's assistant chief fire officer, stressed the changes would not result in new recruits being of an inferior physical standard.

Mr Johnson said: "We have made an adjustment to the pass mark of the aerobic capacity test to make an allowance for age.

"It seems unrealistic that we are asking someone who is 40 to meet the aerobic capacity of a 18-year-old."

"The changes have been made because we recognise that we recruit from a much wider base in terms of age, race and gender.

"The aerobic capacity test was originally designed for a narrow group of people, namely white males aged between 18 and 32.

"People in their 40s can apply to be a firefighter. Firefighters are ordinary people doing extraordinary jobs. Anybody can do it that wants to do it providing they achieve the minimum physical attributes."

The aerobic capacity is measured by people doing a shuttle run for four minutes at an increasing pace.

A number of other fire brigades have changed the rules on the test to make an allowance for age.

As well as an aerobic capacity test, recruits have to successfully complete a test where they run carrying a hose, a grip test, a back strength test, the ability to pull and climb a ladder and a claustrophobia test where they put on breathing apparatus and go into a darkened and confined space.

The brigade has changed the order in which the tests were done and also has a 'buddy' to stays alongside the recruits as they do the tests. The buddy will be an experienced firefighter who will spur them on to complete the tests.

The brigade also runs a number of sessions where applicants can go in and find out about what the test entails and talk to firefighters before they take them.

The brigade has also changed its rules so people who fail any of the tests with the exception of the claustrophobia and fear of height tests can retake them within three months.

Mr Johnson said: "We are not lowering the standards. If we lower the fitness standard that would be risky to our employees and the public. I strongly believe it was not simply the aerobic capacity test which resulted in people failing, but the way the order of the tests were structured throughout the day and the culture of the environment."