Firefighters in Carlisle are working to rid the city of mental health stigma and let people know it's okay to talk.

Cumbria Fire and rescue Service have teamed up with Carlisle Eden Mind to wrap their newest fire engine in positive messages.

Every time crews take to the roads, they will now be spreading the message that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.

Steve Healey, chief fire officer, said that anyone can suffer from mental health problems - even firefighters.

"It's all about raising awareness of mental health issues, trying to get people talking and eradicate some of the stigma that's still associated with mental illness," he said.

"It's high profile. If we look at the figures nationally, those working in the emergency services are actually more susceptible.

"Our firefighters go to horrific incidents and see things that thankfully few people have to see, and it can affect them .

"But things can also happen at home, in their personalised.

"The message is that people shouldn't be suffering alone. Support is out there - free, confidential support."

The project is part of local efforts to promote the Time to Change mental health campaign, tackling stigma.

Michael Boaden, from Carlisle Eden Mind, said they were approached by the fire service.

"They said they were taking delivery of a new fire engine and wanted to wrap it in a positive community message.

"This is giving us an opportunity to highlight the services we provide to the wider community.

"That includes our locally-based helpline that's open seven days a week, 365 days of the year, providing confidential support and a listening ear."

He said described the fire engine as a mobile billboard for the charity.

"As much as anything else it sends out the message that it's okay to talk about mental health, and support is out there.

"People often feel isolated and alone, but they don't have to," he said.

"Our emphasis is that we can all be touched by mental illness, no matter who we are.

"It's something that affects people across all communities, classes, backgrounds and genders.

"We all have ups and downs, but for some people the downs are more extreme.

"I want to send out that recovery is always possible, and we are here to support everyone."

James Bennett is a firefighter on Green Watch, based at the Carlisle East fire station.

He said: "I think it's a really good idea. People will see it every time we are out on a shout or doing fire prevention work in the community.

"I think the older generation have tended to bottle things up and not talk about mental health. Now we are realising that talking really helps.

"There's always someone we can talk to here, and Mind have their helpline that anyone can access."