FIREFIGHTERS have been going above and beyond the call of duty by making sure paramedics get to patients in need and even delivering meals on wheels.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has been assisting paramedics from Great Western Ambulance Service by responding to medical emergencies in rural areas.

Senior operations commander Derek Cross said trained emergency drivers had been making sure paramedics reached their destinations in 4x4 vehicles.

“We also responded to a request to deliver meals-on-wheels to vulnerable people in the Berkeley area on Monday,” he said.

“We are happy to give emergency assistance to other agencies if we have the capacity to do so."