A BURY textile worker is at the forefront of developing innovative drill dummies and inflatable hoses to help train and protect frontline firefighters.

Phil Frain (31), juggles a full-time job with a separate outside business, based in the front room of his Kingfisher Drive home.

His FIRE (Fabricated In Rescue Equipment) company manufactures life-size floatable, waterproof and fireproof dummies which have already generated significant interest from brigades both in this country and overseas.

Two years ago, Ramsbottom fireman Paul Metcalf drowned while trying to rescue a teenager at a local lodge. That acted as a springboard to the Bury man launching his own enterprise.

Now, Phil's range of training dummies could play a vital role in avoiding a repeat of the tragedy.

His safety equipment design work also involves an inflatable rescue hose, without water, which firefighters can deploy to provide them with greater support and stability during certain water-related incidents.

Some months ago, he developed the floating drill dummy which could ultimately become a familiar feature in fire brigade training units up and down the country.

"It's very lifelike," said Phil, "and made of a waterproof-type material."

It took him just one week from the initial concept to complete the design and manufacture.

"Greater Manchester County Service's inshore rescue boat has already tested the dummy," he disclosed.

Brigade bosses were so impressed with the training aid that they bought it. "I gave them the option of a sample to try it out," explained Phil.

"They purchased it and might be buying some more. And other brigades are also interested."

The Bury man, who works for P & S Textiles in the town, has also developed a separate fireproof dummy which is equally aimed at enhancing rescue training.

"Lancs County Brigade asked me for a quote for 10. I've also sent some out to France. Two have been bought and a third one is on order."

His major market to date for his key products has been in Scotland where the dummies have created excitement among fire chiefs.

"I've sold 20 of the drill dummies to Grampian Fire Service. And the equipment is also going to Aberdeen Airport."

The mannequins, measuring 5ft 9inch in height, can be made more lifelike by dressing them in firemen's tunics to aid training. And Phil is also involved in manufacturing children's size models.

Just what materials he uses remain a closely guarded secret. Phil is reluctant to give away any trade secrets which could alert other businesses.

He is also attempting to secure a foothold in the market for his inflatable rescue hose, which is currently being evaluated by Grampian Fire Brigade's offshore rescue unit.

Bury's Elton Reservoir was the setting for a promotional video, shot by Phil, which featured the inflatable rescue equipment in action.

This, together with related brochures, will act as marketing tools to put Phil's company well and truly on the map.

He is the managing director of his home-grown enterprise, while wife Denise handles the administrative side of the business.

And Phil is hopeful the interest being generated in his products will ultimately allow to concentrate on his FIRE business on a full-time basis.