Crews from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) took part in a specialist training exercise in the Cotswolds earlier this week.

The internationally renowned Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh is a leading organisation for fire prevention and protection, providing training for emergency service professionals for over 40 years. Its 300 acre incident ground allows for real life scenarios to be created, such as road traffic collisions, train derailments and building fires.

GFRS crews took part in a high rise exercise, which saw firefighters using aerial platforms, breathing apparatus and hose reels to rescue people trapped by fire on the fourth floor of a purpose-built building. This facility was set up to recreate scenarios in shopping centres, offices and residential accommodation, complete with lifts, escalators and stairwells to create a realistic and challenging environment for crews to train in.

The evening was described as a great learning experience, and reassurance to the county's residents that GFRS crews are prepared to help keep communities safe.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member responsible for fire at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "It is important to make sure our firefighters are able to continue with their first class service, in a safe but realistic manner and training exercises like this give our crews first hand experience of tackling serious incidents."

Stewart Edgar, chief fire officer, said: "As a result of our preventative work in the county there has been a significant decrease in the amount of operational incidents we're called out to.

"However, we are never complacent and make sure our firefighters are well trained and safe when they are called on in an emergency. We're incredibly lucky to have such a fantastic facility on our doorstep and I'd like to thank the Fire Service College and crews for all their efforts."