A TEAM of eight new firefighters have completed their training at the Berkshire's fire service Reading HQ.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) put the new recruits through an intensive 14week training course at their Whitley Wood centre.

The recruits learned how to use hydrants, hoses, pumps and ladders, along with technical rescue skills for emergencies in water, collisions on the road and trapped animals.

Station Manager Chris Holland, course director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our new colleagues to RBFRS.

"They’ve all worked exceptionally hard over the past 14 weeks and they should be proud of what they have achieved so far.

“The next step is for our new firefighters to be posted to their new stations.

"We wish them every success and we are confident they are well equipped for the challenges ahead. We look forward to welcoming them back again for refresher sessions.”

To mark the end of their training the recruits demonstrated their skills at a passing out parade on Wednesday, September 21. They worked in front of a crowd including their friends and families along with other dignitaries.

Chief Fire Officer Andy Fry addressed the recruits, who will be posted to stations across Berkshire, as he watched their drills with Colin Dudley, Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and Berkshire's Vice Lord-Lieutenant Jeffery Branch.