Firefight over Sam

THE creator of Fireman Sam yesterday poured water over claims the children’s program was putting women off joining fire services.

David Jones spoke out after a senior fire officer complained that the show was sexist.

Former firefighter Mr Jones, 74, who invented the character in the 1980s, said: “It is for children. It wasn’t meant to be advertised as a recruiting post. It is supposed to teach kids some small safety items. Someone doesn’t join the fire service when they watch Fireman Sam, they wouldn’t be the right people for the job”.