A TEAM of firefighters from Darlington and Durham came out top of 51 competing crews to win the British National Extrication Challenge at the weekend.

It earned them a ticket to represent Britain at the international competition in Texas next year.

The quartet, sub-officers Sean Gallagher, Kenny Ball, Frank Johnston and Kevin Hart, backed by co-opted paramedic Mark Rose, proved flawless in the first stage of the competition, a 20-minute 'unlimited extrication,' a simulated car crash exercise using hydraulic cutting equipment.

Judges voted them first out of 51 in that opening round, putting them through to the shortlisted final eight on Saturday, when they came second in a 20-minute limited extrication, and third in a 10-minute rapid rescue.

When the results were combined Durham emerged comfortable winners ahead of a crew from Nottingham.

Overseeing their performance was Durham divisional officer for training John Robson.

"It was the 14th time its been held, but the first time we've entered, and for debutants to win is just fantastic," said DO Robson.

Team captain, sub-officer Gallagher, based at Durhsm added the title for best command and control, while paramedic Rose, based at Darlington, won his individual category.