Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) has been declared the best at rescuing people after representing the UK in a competition.

The Irish International Challenge in Bray, County Wicklow, saw firefighters competing in trauma and road traffic extrication challenges earlier this month in a bid to take home first place.

Steve Morris, from Eastleigh Fire Station, and Gary Cross, Fareham, beat off the competition with their skills in casualty care.

Hampshire’s extrication team manager and former Winchester firefighter, Steve Barrow, said: “Once again our Hampshire teams have demonstrated their position as one of the top international rescue teams.

“The team has various challenges coming up in the next few months including competing to maintain their position as UKRO (United Kingdom Rescue Organisation) national champions and will also take part in the World Championships in August.”

Individual servicemen claimed success in the competition, including watch manager Lee Havey from Havant Fire Station for Best Incident Commander, firefighter Steve Morris from Eastleigh and watch manager Trevor Griffin from the headquarters training centre for Best Medical Team.

Firefighter Martin Gritt from Andover and firefighter Brian Saunders from Cosham and crew manager Paul Jarrett from Bordon Fire Station were awarded for Best Technical Team.