Leicestershire Fire and Rescue has made changes to how it operates following the imposition of the third national lockdown.

But the service says one thing that hasn't changed is its operational response.

Day or night, pandemic or not, its crews will continue to ensure that communities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland stay safe.

Firefighters are following all guidance by remaining two metres apart where possible and wearing face coverings.

Callum Faint, Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, said: "Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, we've continued to provide a very high level of operational availability and we continue to mobilise to all call types that we did previously.

"This, along with our ongoing prevention and protection work, is something we are incredibly proud of and will continue to do so throughout this lockdown. We remain ready, willing and able to support the community."

Unfortunately, due to the new lockdown restrictions, there are a number of events and activities which can no longer go ahead such as its Biker Down events.

Recruitment across the Service – for Wholetime Firefighters, On-Call Firefighters and Support Staff – will continue as this can be done in a COVID compliant way, and is essential to business activity and operational duties.

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The community safety team will continue to carry out home safety checks – whether that be over the phone or socially distanced in person if the circumstances deem it necessary.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue also said any of its non-operational staff who can work from home will be now doing so. This means its Birstall Headquarters site is no longer publically accessible during the lockdown.

Callum added: "We are taking the coronavirus pandemic and this third national lockdown very seriously and will continue to do everything possible to protect our communities.

"We're playing our part by staying at home where possible, maintaining a two metre social distance and wearing face coverings and we ask you to do the same. Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives."

For further safety advice go to visit leics-fire.gov.uk.