AN ELITE fire and rescue team from York and North Yorkshire is heading to New Zealand to try to prove itself the best in the world at saving lives.

The crew, all members of North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, is to take part in next month’s World Rescue Challenge after winning a place by coming first in the UK competition.

Each team is faced with a number of realistic road accident scenario’s and scored on their technical skills, trauma care and rescue abilities.

Andy Young, the team manager and trainer, from Strensall, said: “We train every month at our centre in Easingwold.

“Because all the firefighters are operational firefighters they are learning new things all the time.”

He said top of the team’s wish list would be a top-five finish when they head out to New Zealand on July 9.

“If you finish in the top five you are considered the best in the world,” he said. “There is not much difference between those in the top five.”

Chris Anderson, deputy chief fire officer, said: “Such events are an important means for us to not only test our abilities, but to learn new techniques and identify new equipment, all of which will eventually benefit our local communities as we will be better prepared to deal with real-life emergencies as a result.

“The team work really hard and have put in a lot of their own time to reach the standard they are now at.

“They also dedicate their efforts and time to road safety, as can be seen from last week’s event around drink-driving.”

He said the team was looking for sponsors to help its members maintain the high levels of training they need to compete and to save lives throughout the county.