Nine years ago Fleur Caldwell quit her job as a theatre electrician to become the first female firefighter in East Sussex.

Fleur had been searching for a more rewarding and exciting occupation and now, at the age of 29, said she has never regretted her move for a moment.

Fleur, who previously worked at the Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne, said: "I don't think there is another job like it. Every day I enjoy going to work."

She is now helping to spearhead a campaign for more women to join the brigade.

East Sussex currently has nine female firefighters among its 400 officers but new Government targets mean they have to employ a minimum of 43 women by 2009.

Brigade spokesman David Izod said: "More than 51 per cent of the country's population is female. There is no reason why that shouldn't be reflected in the brigade."

Although Fleur is in the minority, she insists she does not feel out of place.

Asked if she enjoys working with so many men, she replied: "I love it - they are like my brothers."

Initially, she said, there was a tinge of resentment from a few men who would have preferred to keep the service all male.

She insists: "Those days are gone but if women come into the service expecting it to be completely banter-free then they will be disappointed.

"I have not come across any examples of real sexism. On the contrary - there is a high level of professionalism throughout the brigade."

After 16 weeks of tough physical and mental training, recruits will earn £16,000 and, as Fleur has discovered, there are opportunities for advancement. She is now a sub officer at Lewes headquarters, researching new appliances and equipment.

She will be returning to active duty in a year's time but she already has had years of experience tackling fires and helping in rescues.

Fleur spent a year in North America on an exchange programme where she found herself fighting a blaze in an ammunitions factory in Toronto. Fleur said it can be a dangerous job but the potential rarely sinks in until after the fire or rescue.

She said: "It can be dangerous but we minimise the risks and safety officers constantly monitor procedures during operations."

Fleur had to toughen up to get through the rigorous physical training. She spent weeks in the gym and pool to improve her upper-body strength. She admits it was tough but feels the rewards of the job have compensated for the work she has put in.

The brigade's recruitment campaign, which is also encouraging people from ethnic backgrounds to join, starts this weekend.

A special hotline, 01273 406200, has been set up for anyone interested and the first round of the recruitment process will take place at Sussex University in Brighton.