A WORCESTER firefighter and his wife hope to get to the top of the ladder in international rescue when they compete against the world's best lifeguards.

Fireman Adrian Mayhew and his wife Anna will be among 12 rescuers from the South Worcestershire Life Saving Club competing in the prestigious Interclub World Life Saving Championships in Florida.

The firefighter (pictured) flies out with the team tomorrow for the gruelling 10-day event, which will include kayaking, swimming and running during the controlled rescues.

The 30-year-old said although the event would be tough, he was confident the team would do well - especially as half were British national life saving champions.

"Winning the competition would be no mean feat," he said. "We're going to be up against Olympians.

"We'll also be competing against Americans, South Africans and Australians who have far more experience of working in the conditions we'll be competing in."

The event is not the first time the super-fit firefighter has proved he is made of tough stuff. Last year he completed the Danish triathlon, which included a two-and-a-half-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and full marathon.

The six women in the team - which includes 26-year-old PE teacher Mrs Mayhew and Worcester policewoman Tracy Wonser - scooped gold in last year's National Life Saving Championships.

The six men scooped silver.

Mr Mayhew, of Boat Lane, Evesham, said team members had been training hard to make sure they were in peak condition.

"Also, being in South Worcestershire Life Saving Club, we work as lifeguards on rivers and beaches so we get a lot of practice doing that. I'm confident the team'll be a strong contender." w711-34a