OXFORDSHIRE’S fire service has been praised following an independent peer review.

The review, which was led by Cornwall’s chief fire officer, Des Tidbury, and Royal Berkshire Fire Authority vice-chairman Pauline Helliar-Symons, was carried out over four days in May.

The review praised Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service for its development of enhanced emergency medical skills, such as firefighters being trained to help a casualty until an ambulance arrives.

It also said the service’s management performed strongly and highlighted the success of the 365alive campaign to reduce fire and road deaths through working with schools.

Oxfordshire chief fire officer Dave Etheridge said: “I am delighted with the outcome of the recent peer review.

“It is the result of hard work by staff across the fire and rescue service and beyond.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their involvement in helping make Oxfordshire as safe as possible.

“We will not rest on our laurels and will continue to strive to further improve the way we serve Oxfordshire’s public.”

Oxfordshire County Council deputy leader Rodney Rose said: “The fire and rescue service really does add value across the board and I am delighted its integrated approach has been recognised via the peer review.”