Fire engine response times to emergency calls in the Deddington area could be delayed because of a shortage of part-time firefighters.

John Lloyd, fire station manager at Banbury, who is responsible for stations at Deddington and Hook Norton, said recruiting part-time firefighters to provide day cover in Deddington had been a problem for five years.

At present, there are three vacancies at the Deddington station.

Mr Lloyd believes many people who live in the village commute to other areas to work and are not available to provide cover during the day.

He said: "If we cannot turn out, the nearest stations that can respond are in Banbury and Bicester.

"That obviously leads to delay, depending on where the incident is."

Mr Lloyd said the service is keen to hear from anyone who can provide day-time cover in Deddington. Applicants should be able to reach the fire station within five minutes of being alerted.

Call the recruitment hotline on 0800 5870870.