FIREFIGHTERS came out on top in two categories during a competition.

Two teams from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) showcased their life-saving skills in the Irish National Rescue Challenge.

The service was an overall winner in both the trauma and extrication categories.

Chief fire officer Nathan Travis said: “Winning Best International Team in both trauma and extrication is a fantastic achievement for the Service and great news for the people of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, who have such skilled firefighters on hand to deal with any emergency situation that they may face."

The competition attracts talent from fire services from across Europe as well as professionals from the motorsport industry.

The event saw teams faced with a range of scenarios that put their life-saving skills to the test with both teams facing two challenges.

The first for the trauma team involved an injured motorcyclist with pelvic injuries whereas the second involved a gas explosion with multiple casualties.

The extrication team was faced with two different road crash scenarios.

Mr Travis continued: “Competitions such as the Irish National Challenge allow our firefighters to hone their skills as well as share best practice with other professionals.

"They can then cascade what they have learnt to other firefighters in the Service so that we can continually improve and provide the best service we possibly can.”

The winning teams will now go forward to compete again at the HWFRS Rescue Challenge in June, which will see contenders from across the two counties compete for places for the UK National Challenge.