While talk of a potential "Dad's Army" of ageing firefighters might raise a wry smile, it is in fact a very serious issue.

Within the next few years, says the Fire Brigades Union, the average age of full-time West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue crews will be 48.

While firefighters are obviously fitter and stronger than most of us, even into their 40s, it is concerning that there has been no fresh blood into the service because of a low-level recruitment policy, with the last meaningful recruitment drive five years ago.

Despite the best efforts of the firefighters themselves, it can not be good for public safety to have fire crews with an average age knocking on 50, which is what is forecast for 2021 if there is no reversal in the recruitment process.

Anyone who reaches this age knows that slowing down is inevitable, and more illnesses - with longer recovery times - often hit the older we get.

It would be nothing short of a scandal if lives were lost because of an increasingly ageing fire service.

The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is truly one of the most vital services we have, and there will be people reading this who already have them to thank for saving their lives.

Many more of us might need the efforts of the firefighters in the future, and it is only right that the service is up to full strength with a balanced mix of experience, knowledge and youth to ensure that the service keeps evolving and growing.

At a time when there are many young people looking for work, now is the time to have a new recruitment drive for the fire service.