A Whitefield firefighter has showcased her athletic prowess in style by winning a prestigious competition.

Helena Brown, based at Whitefield fire station, won the female 30-39 category of the British Firefighter Challenge event, which took place at Cathedral Gardens in Manchester city centre.

The contest, which involves a series of gruelling tasks, also saw firefighters from across Europe competing.

And Helena came out victorious to claim the title, beating the previous champion, the British record holder.

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She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled, I can’t believe it.

“We had around 40 firefighters from Greater Manchester, but it was international as well, so we had firefighters from Sweden, Austria, Estonia and elsewhere.

“So, there must have been 300 altogether.”

The challenge event, which took place on Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30, is organised by firefighters and tests crew members' speed, skill and strength.

The challenge course involves running to the top of a three-storey tower, hauling a hose to the top, running back down the tower, hitting every step on the way down.

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Competitors they need to hit a 72kg beam with a 4kg dead blow hammer.

They then need to drag a hose 50m, carry four 20kg jerry cans, role up a 50m hose and then run 50m to the 70kg dummy which they must drag 50m to the finish line.

Firefighters must complete the challenge wearing full uniform and breathing apparatus which adds around 15kg of weight to carry.

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On social media, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “As we end a fabulous weekend, we are so thrilled to see our very own Helena win the female 30-39 category.

“She beat the current British record holder.

“We now have the British female champion in our service!

“Big hug from the chief as he presents her with her gold medal.

“We’re so proud of you Helena.”

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