‘BECAUSE girls can be heroes too’ - this is the powerful message behind a new book which hopes to show youngsters that both boys and girls can grow up to be firefighters.

Firefighter Ruby: Because Girls Can Be Heroes Too! is written by Emma Greenhalgh, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s communications manager, in a bid to debunk the traditional myth that only boys can be ‘firemen'.

The book was launched at Fairweather Green Fire Station where a group of young girls from the nearby Thornton Primary School came to take a look around and read the story.

One young girl even committed there and then on the spot that she would become a firefighter when she is older.

Author Emma, who is a former journalist, explained: “It was lovely to see the girls’ reaction to the book, they really enjoyed the story and the illustrations and instantly got the book’s message.

“It’s hard to believe that even today some young girls are under the impression that firefighting is not a job they could do when they are older, which is sadly and wrongly closing doors in their minds to the profession at a very young age.

“Studies have suggested children decide ‘what they want to be when they grow up’ as young as five-years-old so I think it’s important they have a true picture of what is possible.

“I wanted to create an assertive female lead character who is a firefighter and works alongside male firefighters to show that they are ‘one family’ and one team.

"The book does not preach the message, but instead delivers it in a fun adventure story.

Emma added: “It encourages girls to believe in themselves and have determination and not let job stereotypes get in their way whatever they want to be.”

Women have been working as firefighters in the UK since the late 1970s and even prior to that during World War Two, serving in wartime services.

The fire service has worked hard over the years to raise the profile of women in firefighting by highlighting role models through the media and at awareness events.

The book is aimed at young girls aged three to seven at a key stage in their lives. developing their own thoughts about the world.

West Yorkshire currently has around 50 female firefighters who make up around five per cent of wholetime operational staff.

Anyone going through the recruitment process passes exactly the same entry tests regardless of gender or background.

Deputy chief fire officer Dave Walton said: “We thoroughly support having a diverse workforce which represents the diverse communities we serve.

"Whilst there have been many generations of fantastic and heroic firemen throughout history, we urge people to use inclusive language, and the correct title of firefighter, so that future generations of children do not grow up believing that the fire service is a role than only men can undertake. Because girls can be heroes too.”

How can I become a firefighter?

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting on-call firefighters at 10 stations across the area and anyone wishing to find out more can do so via the 'Join WY Fire Fighters' website.

These firefighters are people from all walks of life who provide cover at on-call fire stations.