“Fireman Sam has been axed as a mascot for a fire brigade over fears he could put women off joining.

“Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service said the children’s TV character was outdated and did not reflect the message it wanted to achieve.

“The decision follows complaints by staff and members of the public.

“Chief fire officer Les Britzman said Fireman Sam would be replaced with fire extinguisher-shaped mascots called Freddy, Filbert and Penelope.

“Mr Britzman said the service already struggled to recruit women firefighters and the character would no longer be used in its promotional material.”

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