A former dancer who appeared in popular soap operas and period dramas says her latest role - as a firefighter - is one of her most enjoyable.

Hannah Gould, who is based at Rickmansworth station, is now lending her support to a campaign to encourage more women to join the fire service.

She said: "I love doing the job and being able to jump onto a fire engine to go out to an incident after so many months of intense training. The end reward makes it all seem worthwhile."

The 36-year-old made appearances in television programmes such as the Bill and Holby City before turning her back on show business and starting at Rickmansworth station in August.

Hannah, who is a member of Red Watch, said: "I always knew that I'd have to have a second career as you can't carry on dancing forever.

"A natural next step for dancers is teaching or therapy but I wanted to make a definite change and do something completely different.

"I've had so many interesting fill-in jobs but never received many formal qualifications or training.

"The Fire and Rescue Service is completely different because qualifications aren't the top priority and what matters is whether you pass the selection process. The training was very thorough and covered a whole array of skills."

Hannah, who lives with her partner in Swiss Cottage, London, still gets an adrenalin rush when the fire bells ring.

She said: "The one thing that can't be replicated in training is when the bells ring and we scream round to an incident in our fire engines.

"It still amazes me how skilful our drivers are as we often only have a few minutes to get changed and arrive at our destination."

Hannah is the only female firefighter at Rickmansworth - and one of only 12 in the county.

Hannah said: "I've never been worried about being the only girl as I always knew that would be the case. The only reason that I notice is because everyone else does.

"I think that it's more difficult for the men that I work with because they aren't used to having a female colleague.

"When I first started, they thought they had to mind their Ps and Qs around me but it doesn't really bother them any more.

"My watch have made me feel very welcome and soon got down to the important business of bringing me up to speed with ongoing training and development."

Hannah still has another 12 to 18 months until she passes her probation period and is also working on an NVQ portfolio.

She said: "I know that there's a lot more to learn. I was having a conversation with one of the guys on my watch the other day who told me that, even after ten years, he's still learning new skills every day.

"Anyone who thinks that becoming a firefighter is all about brawn rather than brains is very much mistaken."

An open day for anyone considering a career in the fire service will be held on Saturday, March 10, at the service's training centre in Longfield, Stevenage.

The event will run from 9.30am until 5pm but places are limited and advance bookings are required by telephoning 01992 507674.

Anyone who is unable to attend the event and would like more information about a firefighting career can visit www.hertsdirect.org/fire.