ESSEX’s fire service welcomed its new crop of brave firefighters in front of proud family and friends.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service welcomed 18 new recruits – the largest new squad in more than a decade.

They have been equipped with the skills and experience needed to deal with a range of incidents from house fires and road traffic collisions to water rescues.

The firefighters will now join crews in fire stations across the county.

The firefighters were honoured at a dedicated passing out ceremony attended by several dignitaries including Jane Gardner, deputy police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex.

Assistant Chief Officer Moira Bruin said: “Thank you to each and every one of you for your commitment to serving the communities of Essex.

“I’m personally looking forward to getting to know you more, and visiting you at your stations and hearing about how you are helping to make Essex a safe place to live, work and travel.”

To find out more about joining the service, visit join.essex-fire.gov.uk.