Firefighters from the region have flown home after spending a week in Turkey as part of a rescue efforts following the devastating earthquakes.

Martin Foran, a station manager for Heywood and Ramsbottom, has been working alongside Steven Pennington, a firefighter from Leigh, as part of the UK International Search and Rescue Team (UK-ISAR) to help rescue victims of the Turkey and Syria earthquakes.

Along with colleagues Dave Hedgecock and Mike Hirst, the four Greater Manchester firefighters were part of the operation and have now returned home.

The pair spent a week in Turkey with the team and have now returned to the UK.

Martin and Steven have been involved in many rescue operations, including reuniting families.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Welcome home to our Greater Manchester UK-ISAR team members and all the team who arrived back in the UK last night.

“We hope you get some well-earned rest and time with your families and sure we speak for everyone when we say, thank you.”

The duo appeared on ITV Granada Reports to talk about their experiences.

Last week, Martin posted a video to talk about the tough task of aiding in the rescues in the heat.

He said: “It’s been a really tough week, done a lot of walking around.

“The traffic in town has been absolutely awful. The road networks are severely damaged, so it’s involved a lot of walking.

“Mainly high rise building collapses that we’ve been looking at.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The UK-ISAR team also thanked all the firefighters who had joined them for the week.

During their operation, the team searched hundreds of buildings, located, and rescued a number of survivors, reuniting people in their darkest hour.

A spokesman said: “The UK-ISAR team has returned home after their deployment.

"Wishing them much-needed rest and rejuvenation after their heroic efforts. Thank you for all that you do!”

The 77-strong team and four search dogs landed at London Stansted Airport to a salute from fire engines and a reception, including a representative from the Turkish consulate.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The team was deployed through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office following a request for assistance from Turkey after it announced its highest level of state emergency after the earthquakes struck.

More than 45,000 people have died and many have been left without homes following the horrific disaster, which hit the countries on Monday, February 6.