A Watford firefighter has proved he's one of the best in the world after completing an international firefighting combat challenge.

Wearing the full firefighting suit and breathing apparatus, Mark Harrison, who works at Watford Fire Station, raced up a five-storey tower, rescued a 175 lb victim and dragged a hose pack round the course during the competition in Alabama, United States.

The World Firefighting Combat Challenge is designed to simulate the physical demands of the profession in one of the toughest competitions ever created.

Father of three Mr Harrison, who is a member of Green Watch, also had to demonstrate hoisting and chopping in the five linked tasks of the event.

The 42-year-old became the first firefighter from the UK to become inducted into the 'Lions Den' for achieving an elite time and also achieving the fastest time ever by a British firefighter in the event.

Colleague Michael Joseph, who works at Rickmansworth Fire Station, also made it to the final - which was broadcast live on sports channel ESPN.

Mr Harrison said: "It was an extremely hard challenge. Seven people were taken to hospital because they passed out in the event.

"It tested everything you need to be a firefighter - strength, determination, endurance and fitness.

"I enjoyed doing it though and I think it has helped me become a better firefighter. There's an achievement in completing it and knowing you're competing against the fittest firefighters in the world, but it was really great to meet so many different firefighters from around the world too.

"There was a real sense of commandery."

Mr Harrison has also entered firefighting competitions in Poland, Germany and Abu Dhabi.

He has set up an informal over 40s Great Britain team to continue going to international firefighting competitions.

They are planning to compete at the UAE World Challenge 2016 in Abu Dhabi in March as Firefighter Challenge Team GB.