FIREFIGHTERS in Essex will soon be training their counterparts in China after winning a contract worth more than £100,000.

Following a sponsored trip to China, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will train 15 members of the Chinese public sector in urban search and rescue, fire signs and incident command techniques.

The partnership could save lives as well as making money for the service, which will be spent within Essex.

The original trip had received some criticism after it was funded by fire service supplier E2V, but Paul Hill, assistant chief fire officer for safer communities, said, without spending a penny, Essex taxpayers will now reap the benefits.

He said: “We identified two main areas where we could help them. Now, in the early part of next year, 15 officers from Chinese public security – their fire service – will come over.

“For zero cost to the taxpayer, we are bringing in money and this could be the first of many contracts which will ultimately save lives.”