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

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service wants to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the 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.

The new strategy focuses on two main themes, response and intervention and prevention and protection, and also encourages younger drivers, aged between to 17 to 25, to undertake the Pass Plus course.

Group manager Chris Blake hoped people 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 such as a collapsed building or major train crash."

The dedicated team is one of only a few in the country and can deal with incidents UK-wide.

"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," said Mr Blake.