AN ambitious road safety scheme was launched at the The Three Counties Show today.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service wants to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on two counties roads by 40 per cent, reduce the number of children killed or seriously injured by half and reduce the number of people slightly injured by 10 per cent.

Focusing on two main themes; response and intervention and prevention and protection, the new safety strategy also encourages younger drivers, aged between to 17 to 25, to undertake the Pass Plus (can you double check this is pass, not past) course.

Group manager Chris Blake hoped members of the public - of all ages - would get something out of visiting their stand.

"There are a number of arms to the fire service and we hope people will be interested in finding out more.

"One such arm is the urban search and rescue team. Partly Government funded, the specialist unit can respond to incidents like a collapsed building or major train crash."

The dedicated team are one of only a few in the country and can deal with incidents anywhere in the UK.

"They have specialist equiptment and all terrain vehicles that allow them to get involved with more rescues."

Crews at the show were also demonstrating how they cut people free from car wrecks.

"We'll show people how we cut the roof off, remove the doors, basically how we cut open the car in order to rescue any persons trapped," added Mr Blake.