A FIRE service team specialising in dealing with crashes has finished first in a regional competition involving challenging collision scenarios.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service went up against ten other teams in the 2016 Extrication and Trauma Challenge, hosted by the Hereford and Worcester fire service.

Judges awarded the fire service with first place finish in the command and technical assessments and a third place for medical assessment.

The outstanding performances saw the Essex team finish an overall first ahead of London Fire Brigade and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, who finished in second and third positions.

Essex team members included Kevin Mitson, Antony Clement, Jez Tuckwell, Andy Edwards, Nick Singleton, Mick Lawrence and Kelvin Tuckwell.

Divisional Officer Nigel Dilley, RTC extrication team manager, said: “This was an excellent result after an outstanding performance.

“The team pulled out all the stops and achieved a top place on the podium, ahead of two outstanding fire service teams.

“I would like to say well done to the entire team who have shown what hard work and sheer determination can achieve.

“I would also like to thank our partners, Ford Motor Company and Vimpex, who have supported our team throughout the year.”