Firefighters carried a practice rescue from the heights of the Kent Wheel at Kent University's Canterbury campus on Tuesday.

Fifteen firefighters rescued three casualties from a height of more than 100ft using a turntable ladder and ladder cage.

Crew manager Trevor Cox said: “Incidents like this are very rare, but on the occasions they happen we need to be prepared and know the types of challenges and difficulties our crews will face.

“Training like this is an integral and on-going part of our job, it encourages crews to think on their feet, quickly weigh up a situation and act accordingly.”

The training exercise started at 10.40am and lasted an hour and 45 minutes.

Vue, the company which owns the wheel, and Kent University allowed the fire brigade to carry out the exercise.

Andrew Briggs, the university's fire safety adviser, said: "We are pleased that, by closing the Kent Wheel for several hours today, we have been able to assist Kent Fire and Rescue Service with its training.

"We appreciate just how rare an opportunity this was for the service and recognise the importance of such an exercise."

The wheel reopened immediately after the training exercise and will remain in place until October 15.