FIREFIGHTERS in Northumberland are up there with the best when it comes to dealing with road traffic collisions.

A team of six crew members with Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service did the county proud when it competed against crews across the country in the annual United Kingdom Rescue Organisation competition in Derbyshire.

After following up 2017’s runners-up placing with fourth last year, Northumberland secured a top three spot in the 2019 extrication element of the competition.

The crew successfully impressed judges in day one of the challenge in a simulation of recovering patients from a car accident, and was ranked third overall as one of the 20 teams who made it through to the final day of competition.

Richie Fairbairns, the officer in charge, said: “It’s about showcasing our skills but, over the competition, we do take part in training exercises and get better techniques which we bring back to the service and our firefighters back home.

“For such a small brigade as Northumberland to do well is punching well above our weight.

“Everybody connected with the team and Northumberland’s chief fire officer, Paul Hedley, was delighted with the team for how well we worked together and how well we performed in the competition.”