What will it take to break the glass ceiling in fire and rescue services? With just 20 women in principal officers across the UK, Political Editor Catherine Levin takes a look at their routes to the top and what other women can learn from them.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service announced recently that Kathryn Billing was to be its first woman Chief Fire Officer; this was swiftly followed by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirming the return of Dawn Docx, on promotion to be its new Chief Fire Officer later this year.

This is notable because it means that eight of the now 49 fire and rescue services across the UK are led by women. There is much to be learned from those women already holding principal officer roles that can help women in more junior roles secure promotion in the future. Here is a brief look at, and some advice from, those in post today.