A talented team of hidden faces have been praised by bosses at a North East Fire and Rescue Service for helping to save lives in 2021.

While residents across the region are set to bring in the New Year with their family, staff in Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Control will be on duty to keep them safe.

They play a crucial role in taking 999 calls from across the region before quickly identifying risk and then deploying the most appropriate response.

Their efforts over 2021 have helped contribute to recent figures that show TWFRS is the fastest responding fire and rescue service to domestic fires in the entire country.

But their role doesn’t end after taking the initial 999 call, they also help run incident command and support other emergency services when they need extra support.

Last New Year’s Eve saw a spike in the number of calls into Fire Control with crews busy saving lives across the region.

And today a senior member of TWFRS has called on communities to stay safe over New Year – and only call 999 in an emergency.

Station Manager Andrew Lineham, who oversees the work of Fire Control, said: “The staff in Fire Control deserve a huge amount of credit.

“They play a vital role in making sure the right appliances, with the right equipment are sent to the right location in a timely manner.

“Operational crews often get the praise from the public but the hard work and dedication of Fire Control teams does not go unnoticed and they deserve that recognition.

“New Year will be a very busy time for them as we often see a spike in anti-social behaviour, deliberate fires and sadly people in distress.

“Please follow the safety advice we have issued and please look out for any vulnerable friends, family and neighbours this New Year.

“Only ring 999 in an emergency but please be reassured that we will make sure you receive an emergency response if you need one.”

Safety advice relating to fireworks can be found on the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service website.

If you want to report an emergency then please dial 999. If you have information about deliberate fires then call the police on 101 or contact Firestoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558.