IT'S lunchtime at Oakham fire station, and chef Susan Wood is frying some chicken and onions to re-fuel the firefighters, who have spent the morning undertaking intensive training drills.

Crew manager Mick Frisby, who is stirring a cup of coffee, fires off a few jokes at his colleagues, who respond in jest by throwing back jibes about his beloved football club, Everton.

Team work is vital for any fire service, and it stands to reason that a bit of banter can help foster camaraderie.

Mick is acutely aware of this. "It's all about the development of a crew, and camaraderie plays a big part in this. You have got to get along with each other and bond as a team," he said.

The firefighters' workplace in Oakham is certainly a close-knit environment. Aside from the engines and equipment, there is a dormitory, gym and dining area.

Fourty-seven-year-old Mick, who lives in Hambleton Close, Oakham, moved to Rutland from Liverpool more than 20 years ago, when his father got a job working at HMP Ashwell.

Mick had just left the Royal Navy after a five-year spell and decided to fulfil a long-held ambition by joining the fire service.

Since 1998, he has been crew manager at Oakham's station, and is a man who evidently loves his job.

He said: "One of the best parts of the job is being able to help people. The best thing is saving someone's life."

Biscuits, cakes and cards have frequently been dropped off at Oakham fire station by grateful residents across Rutland.

The day we meet, Mick has been overseeing training drills and preparation work at the station. No call-outs yet, but it's essential everyone is ready, willing and able.

This means ensuring staff are up-to-date with new equipment, and in good shape. Sharpness is paramount to the service.

Away from work, Mick is a family man who lives with his wife, Bronwyn. He has two children - Jack, 20, who is a mechanic at Rutland Water and 23-year-old Gemma, a hair stylist in Uppingham.

His eyes light up when he talks of his passion for architecture and history.

"I was never into history at school, but since I've got older, I've grown to love travelling to see architecture. You're walking in the footprints of history when you go to somewhere like Rome," he said.

We return to the subject of his work and what it means to be in the fire service.

Mick is positive and forthright about the relationship his crew have maintained with the community.

He said: "We are not a business, we are a service. When people want us, we are there to help. That's the job satisfaction."