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Mid and West Wales firefighters crowned best BA team in the UK

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FIREFIGHTERS from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have been crowned Best Breathing Apparatus (BA) Team and awarded the prestigious title of Overall Best Team at the National Breathing Apparatus Challenge (NBAC).

The event, held over the weekend of October 12, 2025, at the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, saw 19 fire and rescue services from across the UK compete in realistic and high-pressure firefighting scenarios.

The winning Mid and West Wales team — Dominic Norcross (Officer in Charge), Lee Rees (Driver / Fireground Setup), Luke Fisher and Tim Frost (BA Team), and Morgan Lewis (BA Entry Control Officer) — impressed judges with their exceptional teamwork, technical precision, and commitment to safety.

Sponsored by Draeger UK and supported by The Fire Fighters Charity, the competition promotes excellence in BA procedures and incident command. Each five-person crew was challenged to tackle a simulated property fire, with just 30 minutes to bring it under control and rescue casualties.

Teams were marked by National Assessors on:

  • Incident Command
  • Fireground Procedures
  • Entry Control
  • BA Wearing and Procedures

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service excelled across all categories, particularly in Command and Control, technical knowledge, and practical firefighting skills.

Group Manager Stuart Bate, Head of Training Delivery, said: “This achievement reflects the dedication, professionalism, and rigorous training of our firefighters. To be recognised as the best among such strong competition is a testament to the high standards we uphold in Mid and West Wales. We’re incredibly proud of the team’s success.”

The NBAC remains a vital platform for improving firefighter safety, sharing best practice, and strengthening collaboration across UK fire services.

For more information, visit www.nbac.co.uk.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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