PENARTH Fire Station took third place in one of the challenges at a firefighters rescue challenge in Cardiff Bay last weekend.

The team fought off strong competition from teams across the UK on home soil at the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) Challenge in Cardiff Bay last weekend.

Hosted by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and drawing thousands to the iconic and sunny Cardiff Bay the event saw 600 firefighters battle it out in trauma, water, extrication, rope and urban search and rescue challenges showcasing the very best in rescue skills and techniques from Services across the UK.

The new team from Penarth Station picked up 3rd Best UK Water Rescue Team, including competing in the first ever Rapid Water Rescue scenario; a first for a UKRO national challenge.

The Water Rescue team only formed in August 2018 and in just two short months managed to pull off the achievement of securing third place in the competition.

Office in charge and team leader WM Warren Feneck said: "I was really impressed by the attitude and professionalism from the crew. Their enthusiasm throughout was really inspirational.

"We were convinced we would come last as the competition had a lot more combined experience, but to come third in the UK in our first ever competition was an exceptional job and I am really proud of all the team.”

The team consists of WM Warren Feneck – team leader and officer in charge, FF Hauksson, Kjartan, FF Goronwy, William R and FF Tom Cox, who took over on the third day as officer in charge.

Throughout the competition teams from across the UK commented on how great the location was. This was the first time UKRO has been able to do Rapid Water Rescue for a national challenge and it really raised the bar of Water Rescue learning for all the competitors.

Chief fire officer Huw Jakeway QFSM said: "I am inspired by the skill shown by all our teams and I congratulate them on their well-deserved success. These titles may be awarded through a competition but the skills on display are those that our firefighters use every day keeping the people of South Wales safe.

"All our teams continue to make us all very proud and I make my own special congratulations to all our teams that competed, who have dedicated their own time in preparing for this challenge."