Civil Defence has appointed its first woman team leader
Anne Birtles is part of the defence force which provides vital back-up to emergency services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Volunteers undergo gruelling weekly training sessions and between them have a huge range of practical skills - from life-saving to off-road driving.
They can be on hand to help the public during any natural or man-made disaster - from fire and floods to hurricanes and hill rescues. And they're also training to cope with a flu pandemic.
Anne says she relishes the challenges ahead:
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