FIREFIGHTERS battled it out with colleagues in special challenges at an event held in Wychbold.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) organised the event that took place at Webbs garden centre on Saturday, June 7, from 10am to 4pm.

Firefighters, from across Worcestershire, took part competing for places in the national United Kingdom Rescue Organisation Challenge, (UKRO).

There are two challenges this year - the trauma challenge and the extrication challenge.

Winners of each category go forward to compete at the national UKRO championships being held in Essex in August.

The trauma challenge tested the response of participants who faced one of a selection of trauma incidents and were expected to identify and treat the injuries found.

The extrication challenge consisted of a simulated road traffic collision, with those competing having 20 minutes to safely extricate the casualties trapped inside the vehicle involved.

Station commander, Gareth Clarke of HWFRS, said: "Skills were tested at speed, as they competed for a place in the national competition.

"The challenges truly enhance the expertise and abilities of our fire and rescue crews and the service we provide to our communities.”

Members of the community took the chance to attend and observe at close hand the nature of the incidents firefighters respond to.