GREATER Manchester Ambulance Service have launched a campaign to recruit 100 student paramedics.

Candidates must be over 18 and have held a clean driving licence for at least one year. They must be fit and healthy and have five GCSEs A to C grades (or equivalent) or two years' experience as a health care professional.

There is no age barrier and GMAS are particularly keen to hear from people from ethnic minorities.

training students will be on a salary of around £14,500 and take part in an eight week residential course at Ladybridge Hall, followed by 52 weeks of work-based learning.

After a 60 week period the trainee qualifies as an ambulance technician being paid £17,500 per annum.

Following at least one year as a technician there would be further opportunities for training to be a paramedic.

GMAS Director of Human Resources, John Williams said: "GMAS is committed to recruiting student paramedics from every walk of life and every ethnic group -- there are no restrictions as to what makes a good paramedic.

"There is no doubt that the recruitment process is tough because we want the best people."

For more information contact the GMAS Recruitment Hotline on 0161 796 1562/1056.