BROADWAY firefighters achieved an impressive second place in the National Breathing Apparatus Challenge.

The annual challenge, featuring teams from across the country and hosted by the Fire Service College in Gloucestershire, was designed to enhance the lifesaving skills of firefighters and enable them to respond to incidents in the best way possible.

During the challenge, held on October 8, each of the 16 teams were given 30 minutes to extinguish a building fire and safely rescue casualties, all the time being watched by a team of 22 national assessors looking at their technical and practical skills.

The Broadway team narrowly missed out on winning the title.

The team had gained the honour of representing Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service after winning places in the service challenge earlier in the year.

Chief fire officer Nathan Travis said: “It’s a pleasure to have such talented and professional firefighters within the service who are continually looking to further enhance their skills.

"Congratulations to all of the teams that competed who have all done themselves proud.”