TWO Bury fire-fighters are hoping to blaze a winning trail in a life-saving competition.

Firemen Andy Roberts (35), and Dave Lucas (25), both based at the town's station on The Rock, have eased their way into the national finals of the Fire Brigade's First-Aid competition.

The duo, both qualified trauma technicians, finished 30 points clear of their nearest rivals Merseyside in the northern finals of the challenge.

Andy and Dave will now put their skills to the test on June 9 when the brigade's training centre in Gloucester hosts the national final.

If successful, the pair will represent the brigade in a national contest featuring the top first-aiders from a host of organisations including the ambulance and police services, British Gas, and the mining industry.

Andy, pictured right with colleague David, said: "We reached the brigade finals two years ago and finished in seventh place. We intend to do much better this year, although the standard of our competitors will be high.

"Dave and I have a lot of work to do before the June finals although the judges at the brigade's northern finals were very impressed with our skills.

"The 30-point gap between ourselves and second place Merseyside speaks for itself."