A delegation from the Jiangsu Fire Service in China visited Essex earlier this month with the aim of improving their fire and rescue service.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) and the Jiangsu Fire Service signed a memorandum of understanding during a visit in July 2010 and have continued to maintain friendly relations for the last seven years.

This year’s visit, between November 1 and November 11, focused on the issue of training, with Chinese delegates understanding how to improve firefighting techniques and use technical equipment correctly.

ECFRS chief fire officer, Adam Eckley, said: “Here in the UK, our Fire and Rescue Services are recognised globally for their safety record and we are always keen to share our techniques and knowledge with other organisations to improve best practice.

“I am proud that the skills of our service can have a direct international contribution in making the lives of so many people safer.

"While these visits occur every year, they are invaluable to allow our Chinese counterparts to learn from our high standards of health and safety, training and operational firefighting.

“We look forward to continuing our cultural links between Essex and China."

Since the signing of the memorandum seven years ago, the organisations have invested in the partnership and seen positive outcomes, both financially and in the sharing and learning of skills.

Jiangsu Fire Service funded the entire visit themselves.