Hayle has achieved a UK first as it becomes home to the country's only tri-service safety operator, trained to deal with crime, casualties and fire and rescue situations.

The town, which boasts Cornwall's only emergency services hub, is also the base of one man rescue team Andrew Hichens, the UK's first tri-service safety officer who is a qualified on call firefighter with, an ambulance service emergency first responder, and has also been trained in specific crime and disorder duties as well.

Andrew, who has been an on call firefighter at Camborne Community Fire Station for the last eight years, will join emergency responders from the three services who began working from the Hayle Tri-Service Centre in March, giving the town and surrounding communities greater protection.

An important part of his role will be to help members of the community to keep themselves safe by working with local groups to spread safety messages. He will also report to Hayle Town Council keeping local councillors informed on incidents involving the emergency services.

Employed by CFRS, his role has been funded as part of a two-year Government pilot aimed at strengthening collaboration between blue light services.