More than a dozen students from Hartlepool College of Further Education, in Stockton Street, have been learning the ropes as firefighters every Thursday.

In preparation for a public skills competition later this year, students have been acting as crash victims while fire crews cut them out of scrap vehicles.

They then had a go on the machinery themselves.

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About 20 BTEC national diploma in public services students started the course, but the team will be whittled down to eight members plus two reserves by the end of the 20-week course.

Kevin Fincken, a lecturer at the college and former firefighter, said: "The fire service have been great and really want us to do well.

"It's also of great benefit to the students to show them what being in a service is like in real life and how things work on a day-to-day basis."

The competition, which takes place in Blackpool on May 6, will see the team tested on a range of activities, including first aid and teamwork.

Watch manager at Stranton Fire Station, Ian Brown, said: "This is a great opportunity for them to develop a wide range of skills and it also gives them an insight into the work of the fire service.

"It's also a great chance for the firefighters to practice their techniques, so it provides us with additional training too.

"The time the students put in over the course of the 20 weeks is voluntary and that is a sign of their dedication and commitment to do well.

"The students are fully kitted out in appropriate uniform and they take part in first aid sessions and act as casualties.

"They also have the chance to test out the cutting equipment under supervision."