Super-fit firefighters from Oxfordshire showed true Olympic spirit to bring home a bumper haul of medals after competing at the World Firefighter Games.

The team competed with a wide range of public and private sector organisations, including other fire services from across the world.

Star of the show at the games in Liverpool was Chris Aust, based at Rewley Road station in Oxford, who bagged a total of 10 medals for his performance in the swimming pool.

In a feat reminiscent of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, Mr Aust picked up four golds in the relays, two silvers in 50m freestyle and four bronze medals — in the 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 100m freestyle.

John Parry, the county council's chief fire officer, took on more than 50 bosses in the gruelling Chief's Challenge.

Mr Parry finished second in an 8km hike across Liverpool, from Otterspool Promenade to the new Liverpool Echo Arena.

He said: "I am delighted our Oxfordshire firefighters featured so prominently in the winners' table.

"The chiefs event was also designed to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity, which supports burns victims and firefighters injured on duty.

"I managed to raise £1,000. It was great to take part in this event and the games as a whole.

"It will be a hard act for the Oxfordshire team to follow, but I'm sure we will rise to the challenge again."

Another gold medal winner was Ben Kelsey, from Headington's Slade fire station who beat his opponents in the discus.

Also taking part were Kidlington-based firefighters Gary Crone and Andy Smallwood, who competed in the Iron Dog cross-country event and wall climbing.

The World Firefighter Games, which finished earlier this monthSep2, raised £50,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity, which as well as offering support for injured firefighters and their families, provides therapy, recuperation services and financial help.

Earlier this month, firefighters at seven stations across the county took part in a car wash to raise thousands of pounds for the charity.