The lives of two people in the River Severn were saved in part by a cash investment in extra training and new equipment so retained firefighters in Shropshire could carry out dramatic water rescues, officials said today.

A crew from Bridgnorth fire station used ladders and throw lines to rescue a woman and 22-year-old soldier Andrew Simpson, who had tried to rescue her.

It was only the second time a retained crew in the county had attemp-ted a water rescue, but Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service chiefs today hailed their role in the dramatic events.

Guy Williams, an assistant group commander with Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “The extra training and skills provided to the Bridgnorth crew meant they were able to deploy before the arrival of the swift water rescue team and boat from Shrewsbury.

“The quick response by the newly-trained Bridgnorth firefighters and the very brave actions of the man who supported the woman in the water, saved her life.

“This was only our second water rescue in Shropshire by retained firefighters since they completed first responder water training.”

Fast-flowing flood water was less than a metre away from where the woman was being kept afloat by Private Simpson. The soldier, who serves with the Mercian Regiment, clung onto a branch to keep the pair above the water.

The woman was also helped by Gary Markevics, 56, who was in the water for nearly 20 minutes. He managed to get out of the river after Private Simpson dived in.

Both men are to be formally commended by the fire service for their actions.

The incident happened on Tuesday night near Washbrook Road, Bridgnorth.

Martin Timmis, head of operations and risk for Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “The decision by the Fire Authority to invest in extra water safety equipment and more advanced training for our fire crews in high risk areas has certainly paid off.”