A firefighter looking for a change of pace in life is attempting to turn her penchant for craft into a money-making business as part of an award winning BBC show.

Lisa MacLennan, from Gravesend, has spent more than two decades on the frontline, facing down danger to keep the public safe.

But outside of this demanding career, she has been quietly mastering a very different skill — traditional signwriting.

"I’ve always enjoyed hands-on work and problem-solving, which is why firefighting appealed to me," she said.

However, Lisa is now attempting to turning her hobby into a fully-fledged business and escape the daily grind.

She will appear on Make it at Market, a BBC One show hosted by the Repair Shop's Dom Chinea which pairs amateur crafters with experts in their field in an attempt to help them earn a living from their passion project.

Lisa studied Graphic Design and Fine Art at college, before embarking on a career with the fire service.

Despite this very different career choice she often made personalised gifts for friends and family, experimenting with different artistic techniques.

"I was always drawn to typography, the art of arranging letters and text, and traditional craftsmanship," Lisa explained.

"I didn’t just want to make something look good.

“I wanted to learn a skill with history and precision behind it.”

But it was only when she met mentor Joby Carter, a leading figure in reviving traditional signwriting, and signed up for one of his workshops that things kicked up a gear for Lisa.

“When I came across Joby Carter’s signwriting course, I knew it was exactly what I’d been looking for,” she said.

Joby owns Carter’s Steam Fair, a travelling funfair known for its beautifully hand-painted rides and traditional fairground art.

Inspired by his work, Lisa decided to further develop her skills in this craft and as her confidence grew, started incorporating song lyrics into her designs, creating unique and personalised pieces.

“I love working with music quotes,” Lisa said.

“Songs hold so many memories for people, whether it’s a wedding first dance, an anniversary, or just a lyric that means something personal.

“Turning those words into a hand-painted piece makes it even more meaningful.

“But I also love adding a bit of humour—sometimes a cheeky or funny quote is exactly what people want to brighten up their space.”

One of Lisa’s first major commission’s came one evening when she noticed a group of Morris dancers performing outside The Compass Alehouse in Gravesend.

She stepped inside and struck up a conversation with the micropub founder John Warden.

Since it’s opening in 2014 it has become a favourite spot for those who appreciate traditional pubs with character.

As the pair chatted, Lisa mentioned her passion for signwriting, which led John to show her a collection of historic regatta plaques hanging on the walls.

These hand-painted awards, given to Thames boat race winners nearly a century ago, immediately caught her attention.

“She loved them straight away,” John told KentOnline. “She understood their history and craftsmanship.

“When I mentioned I needed a new sign for the pub’s ten-year anniversary, she knew exactly how to do it in a way that respected tradition."

Lisa took down the old sign, repainted it using her hand-lettering skills, and returned it just in time for the pub’s milestone celebration.

“To paint something that keeps traditional skills alive in such a historical town has been an incredible privilege,” Lisa said.

Although she continues her work as a London firefighter, Lisa’s ambitions for signwriting are growing.

She dreams of eventually relocating to the Scottish Highlands with her Scottish partner, opening a signwriting studio, and turning her craft into a full-time career.

“I love adventure—whether it’s firefighting, mountain biking, or snowboarding,” she said.

“Signwriting is another challenge, and I want to see where it takes me.”

Lisa’s episode of Make it at Market airs today (March 17) at 3.45pm on BBC One.

It will be also be available to watch on iPlayer, BritBox, and internationally through The Open University.