They have a collective age of more than 200 and a total of 65 years' service between them.

But time has finally caught up with the stalwarts of a small Sussex fire station and the "old boys" are having to call it a day.

The men of Turners Hill fire station, near Crawley, have fought countless fires and rescued untold numbers of people and animals, but they've got one big job left before they hang up their helmets.

They are trying to find new blood to fill their posts.

The trouble is, there aren't many young men or women in their village in a position to take up the challenge.

Station Officer Vic Dudman, is retiring in February at 55, the age all firefighters have to go.

He has been a retained firefighter for 31 years and admits finding recruits is one of his toughest jobs.

Retained or part-time firefighters can be male or female, at least 18, must be fit and live or work within four minutes of the station.

Many village youngsters have moved out or work out of the village, but the fire crew is still hopeful it can encourage volunteers to come forward.

Mr Dudman, an engineer by profession, says he hasn't regretted a single day of his time in the service, saying: "I still enjoy it after all these years. We all live or work in the village and it is very much a community thing."

Leading Firefighter Steve Jones, 52, has been tackling blazes for 16 years - and has four other jobs.

He is caretaker at the village hall and local school, acts as reserve lollipop man, and does odd jobs round the village.

He will retire in three years and will also miss the camaraderie, saying: "It has been my life for many years and I will miss it greatly."

Firefighter Will Aitchison, at 51, is the youngest of the crew and has four years left.

He said: "It can be gutting, being called out in the middle of the night but it is still a great life.

"I have been a retained firefighter for only five years but now I wish I had volunteered much earlier."

Fortunately for Turners Hill, there will still be four other firefighters left at the station with years of service left in them.

Anyone interested in boosting their numbers should visit the station in Church Road on Tuesday nights, when drill training is held.