JOE Calzaghe swapped his boxing gloves for a fireman’s uniform to help support Abercarn fire station’s recruitment drive.

Abercarn station is recruiting retained firefighters and station manager Martin Donoghue invited the Newbridge-born boxer down to run through some firefighting training drills.

Mr Calzaghe said: “They do a great job and it’s a pleasure for me to come down. I’ve always wanted to stick the uniform on and have a go. It’s hard work and the hoses are really heavy, but it was good fun.”

Mr Donoghue presented Mr Calzaghe with a South Wales Fire Service plaque.

For more information on how to become a retained firefighter visit www.southwales-fire.gov.uk.