TWO firefighters from Bromsgrove have returned from competition in Italy with mixed fortunes.

Phil Blacker and Warren King, who both work at Bromsgrove fire station, were part of a nine-man Great Britain team at the Firefighter World Cycling Championships in Valdi Fiemme last month.

Phil, of Bantmill Road, surpassed his expectations by taking the silver medal in the 30 to 40-year-old category. The 32-year-old was sixth out of 120 in the 60km road race and was seventh in the mountain bike event, giving him second overall.

He said: "I am very pleased, it was a really tough race. I didn't know what to expect but I wasn't expecting such a good result.

"Getting sixth in the road race was fantastic and the mountain bike race just came good on the day."

Warren, aged 36 and of Kidderminster, finished 23rd in the time trial, including the accolade of second fastest British rider, before coming 41st in the road race.

"I put a lot of effort into the first race (time trial) but it took a lot of power away from me. I am not massively disappointed. It was a great event and I am looking forward to next year in Brussels."

The pair also ride for Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club.