Lisa Hanmer has been promoted to leading firefighter at Cardiff Airport after coming top of the class in a UK-wide, crew commander training course.

The 29-year-old, who was the only woman on the course, gained a final score of 99 per cent.

The training took place over two and a half weeks at the International Fire Training Centre at Teesside Airport. Designed to test fire fighters' 'command and control' skills during an aircraft incident, the course consisted of leadership skills, liaising with other emergency services, incident management, plus theory-based examinations on roles and responsibilities.

Ms Hanmer's colleague Mike Onda, who was also successful on the course, has received a similar promotion.

Fire service manager Bill Kitchen said: "I'm delighted with the achievements of both Lisa and Mike.

"The crew commander course is an intensive one which requires sound judgement, stamina and strong leadership skills."