FIREFIGHTERS from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) have returned with a haul of awards from the national festival of rescue.

The event, stage in Tyne and Wear fielded over 70 teams drawn from fire services right across the country.

The programme took in intense challenges across a range of fire and rescue expertise. Over 300 firefighters brought all their skills and training to bear in five distinct categories: vehicle extrication, rope rescue, trauma care, urban search and rescue, and water rescue.

The tasks reflected the full range of expertise needed by 21st century fire and rescue services when protecting the public.

Taking on some of the country’s most professional firefighters, HWFRS were crowned overall National Water Rescue champions.

Crew Commander Simon Griffiths, from Hereford station, retained the title of best water rescue medic for the third year in a row, in his final week as a full time firefighter.

Competing in the extrication category, Ross-on-Wye participants beat off numerous other teams to achieve a commendable 11th place overall.

Watch Commander Craig Newman, the team coordinator said: “It’s been a fantastic event and our teams feel privileged to have had the opportunity to engage with rescue professionals from across the country, gaining and sharing knowledge and skills to advance professional rescue."

HWFRS Area Commander Rob Allen, said: “The festival was a superb opportunity to compete against hundreds of fire and rescue colleagues.

"The event is all about striving for excellence and showcasing new techniques, with the ultimate aim of enhancing our response to the community.

“I’m delighted that our teams did so well against such a strong field and I’d like to thank them for all their hard work and determination and, in particular, to congratulate Simon on his well earned trophy in his last week of service – a fitting way to end his full time firefighting career.”