THE recently appointed Fire Service Minister Nick Hurd MP visited Gloucestershire today as part of his new duties.

Mr Hurd stopped at Gloucester South Community Fire Station in Tuffley to meet crew members and partners that work from the station.

While at the station he toured the SkillZONE centre where he was informed about the engagement and education work its staff provide to schools and young people in Gloucestershire.

Stewart Edgar, chief fire officer at GFRS, said: “It is a real honour to be able to welcome the minister to Gloucestershire to see the work we’ve been doing across the county.

“We’re one of the most efficient fire services in the country, which I am incredibly proud of.

"Our staff work tirelessly to improve the way we operate and we’re really seeing the impact of that.”

Mr Hurd also visited police HQ to meet with police chief Rod Hansen and police and crime commissioner Martin Surl.

He also met with leader of Gloucestershire County Council, Mark Hawthorne.

The county council currently runs the fire service, with a possible takeover on the cards from the PCC.

Cllr Hawthorne said: “Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service do an incredible job keeping us all safe.

“I’m pleased we’ve had this opportunity to show the minister what brilliant work is happening in Gloucestershire and what an efficient and effective job our fire service does day in day out.”