The Leeds exhibition will feature the first female firefighter

A new exhibition will celebrate the story of West Yorkshire’s first female firefighters through a series of workshops and photo exhibitions.

Arts and social change charity Space2 has partnered with Leeds Beckett University to launch its project at a former fire station in Gipton.

The story of Penny Rowntree, who became the region’s first female firefighter in 1987 at the age of 18, will be on display alongside the stories of other women.

Mrs Rowntree, from Wetherby, said she was “delighted” to have been invited to take part.

Recalling her days working at Bramley, Wetherby and Gipton fire stations, she said: “I was working as a swimming instructor in the late 1980s and I remember watching the first pilot of London’s Burning on TV, which it included a woman. firefighter

“A friend of my brothers was a firefighter, so I asked him if they were recruiting women.

“I applied right away and had to do a series of physical tests and entrance exams before I was accepted.”

She added that some people thought the idea of ​​women wanting to work as firefighters was “a bit weird at first”.

“But once they got to know me, we hit it off really well and I had a great time,” she added.

The first event on Saturday included workshops with Professor Shane Ewen, from Leeds Beckett University, who explored the role of women in the fire service.

Ms Rowntree was also available on the day to answer questions.

Visitors were also able to see some vintage fire engines, while former firefighters spoke about their role in the fire service.

Coralie Datta, Heritage Co-ordinator for Space2, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for the community to share stories about Gipton Fire Station and its community role since 1937 and learn more about their own local heritage – with an emphasis on women.

“The fire station is surrounded by former firefighter housing, which has resulted in a very close community of firefighter families in this area.

“There is now an urgent need to capture their stories for posterity.”