Firefighters in Chippenham received formal thanks today for their help in the recent flooding in Gloucestershire and Swindon.

Wiltshire's chief fire officer Andy Goves, his deputy Peter Baxter and three members of the Wiltshire Fire Authority visited Chippenham fire station to meet the team who provided valuable assistance during the disaster.

Ten firefighters from the station helped Gloucestershire Fire Service between July 21-23, working long hours in extremely arduous conditions.

They worked independently, using both the Avon inflatable dinghy and the Pioneer Multi rigid craft, both of which are kept at Chippenham fire station.

The crew completed 20 rescues of the public and their animals in Gloucester city and Tewskesbury.

Both boats were on display at the fire station at today's event, as well as a huge screen showing hundreds of photographs of the rescues.

Mr Goves revealed he had recently received a personal letter of thanks from Gloucestershire's chief fire officer Terry Standing, who said: "The professionalism of your staff and their experience with essential supporting equipment proved to be invaluable."