Police in Bingley swapped uniforms to experience life as firefighters for a day.

In the first initiative of its kind to be held at Bingley Fire Station, police officers and police community support officers became heroes of a different kind yesterday.

Officers from the two emergency services worked together to cut “casualties” from a simulated road traffic accident involving cars.

Police officers acted as victims and watched the firefighters in action.

Firefighter Tony Barker said: “It gave us an insight into individual roles at incidents. It is very rare we come into contact at incidents and if we do, we are too busy to interact.”

Fire station manager Andy Newman said: “We work closely with all the emergency services which is why it is important we are all aware of the vital roles we play in the community and at incidents. We have a fantastic relationship with all our police colleagues in Bingley and we hope to use this Police Liaison Day to build on this, share knowledge and good practice.

“It gave them a greater understanding which will ultimately ensure the public receive a first class service from both emergency services.”

Inspector Andy Longden, who heads Bingley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It was a valuable opportunity to find out more about our colleagues at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

“We often work side by side with them but this day gave us the chance to talk to them and find out more about the role they play in an emergency and the equipment they use.”