Avon Fire and Rescue says it needs more retained firefighters, despite fears about the effect of a European law on working hours.

Plans have been unveiled to make Britain adopt the European Working Time Directive, making it illegal for anyone to work more than 48 hours a week.

If the scheme is introduced it could change the hours of retained firefighters, many of whom work for the fire service on top of their full-time jobs.

At present there are 224 retained firefighters working for Avon in towns such as Weston-super-Mare, Blagdon, Winscombe, Yatton, Nailsea, Portishead, Clevedon, Chew Magna and Pill.

Weston, Winscombe, Yatton, Blagdon, Chew Magna and Pill each have one retained engine and Clevedon, Nailsea and Portishead have two.

However, Avon Fire and Rescue says nothing is certain about the directive being introduced and, if anything, more retained firefighters are needed.

The service is therefore launching a recruitment campaign in the coming months.

Chief Fire Officer Kevin Pearson, said: "In light of recent reports Avon Fire and Rescue Service would like to reassure the community that there is a future for the Retained Fire and Rescue Service.

"Avon Fire and Rescue Service is soon to launch a campaign to recruit retained firefighters in Thornbury, Keynsham, Chew Magna, Radstock, Paulton, Blagdon and Winscombe.

"Our retained firefighters provide a vital service to the area they serve and play a key role in ensuring the safety of our communities.

"Firefighters on the Retained Duty System are on call in their homes or work places rather than at a fire station.

"Successful candidates can choose whether to provide full or part-time cover, with the option to work flexibly around their other commitments.

"This could appeal to people with childcare responsibilities.

"We are committed to the future of the Retained Fire and Rescue Service and will be monitoring closely the discussions surrounding the European Working Directive.

"We want to reassure members of the public that their safety is of paramount importance to us and we firmly believe that this involves ensuring that our retained services remain in its current form."

Martin White, of Fearnville estate, Clevedon, works as a full-time firefighter and also as a retained firefighter.

He says he and colleagues are retained firefighters to be part of the community and believes the directive would affect a substantial number of them.

The 40-year-old said: "I have worked as a firefighter for 17-years and on average I work a 42-hour week. For the past three years I have also worked as a retained firefighter two days a week, which means I am also on call for 35-hours a week.

"I do have to have a 15-hour break between the two however.

"I think the European Working Time Directive could affect quite a lot of retained firefighters and the majority do have full-time jobs.

"I don't think I would be able to be on call at all if it is introduced.

"Retained firefighters do the job because they want to be part of the community and do it for good public spirit.

"They are paid varying amounts depending on how many call-outs they make and to impose the directive would affect many retained firefighters financially.

"I don't think anyone wants to see it introduced."

Sally Evans, 42, is a retained firefighter at Thornbury who also works behind a bar and as a receptionist.

She said: "I enjoy helping in the community and I love the spontaneity of working retained and of course the adrenalin rush."

The Liberal Democrats have launched a petition against the directive at www.keeptheoptout.com.