Fire crews in Shepton Mallet were out in force on Monday night as they carried out hands-on water rescue training in North Wootton.

The evening exercise saw firefighters practising specialist water rescue responder techniques — one of the many skills Devon and Somerset crews are trained to deliver.

Under floodlights, teams worked through safe wading procedures, the use of rescue throw lines and hose inflation. The hose inflation technique uses firefighting hose as a buoyancy aid to help recover a casualty from the water.

Residents in North Wootton were thanked for their patience as crews trained into the evening.

Shepton Mallet Fire Station has also used the opportunity to renew its appeal for new on-call firefighters.

The station is recruiting people who live within five minutes of the station and are looking for a paid role alongside their main job. Weekly drill nights take place every Monday from 7pm to 9pm.

Anyone interested in joining the team or finding out more about becoming an on-call firefighter is being urged to contact Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for further information.