A new firefighter has been praised for his role in tackling a coach fire near Ledbury last week.

Max Robb joined Ledbury Fire Station as an on-call recruit only a few weeks ago and has already been called out to several incidents.

These included a coach that burst into flames on the A449 at Prestons Cross, causing a group of schoolchildren to be evacuated.

Year Nine pupils and staff members from Bromsgrove School were travelling back from an activity camp at Symonds Yat on June 14 when their coach overheated.

Ledbury Reporter: Firefighters checking over the burnt out coach last weekFirefighters checking over the burnt out coach last week (Image: Ledbury Fire Station)

Thanks to the quick actions of the driver, everyone was evacuated before the coach burst into flames, and all pupils arrived safely back at the school.

A spokesperson for Ledbury Fire Station said it was a memorable day for the station’s newest recruit.

“Max has attended several shouts in the last two weeks of being a new on-call recruit and is settling in great,” they said.

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“The coach fire was Max's first breathing appartus job and he did amazingly to remain calm and collected during this incident.

“We are sure there will be many more opportunities for Max to help people in their moment of need and give back to his local community.

“Well done Max, you are doing a great job and we are sure everyone that knows you are proud of your commitment to Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.”

Ledbury Reporter: The burning coach is sprayed by fire crewsThe burning coach is sprayed by fire crews (Image: Ledbury Fire Station)

Crews from Hereford and Ross were also called after the 52-seater coach caught fire last week.

A spokesperson for the fire service said the A449 was closed while firefighters tackled the blaze.

Kidderminster-based Whittles Coaches said it was aware of the fire and confirmed all passengers were “immediately evacuated to safety”.

It added: “Rest assured we are investigating this thoroughly.”

Ledbury Fire Station has also warned people to be aware of the danger of wildfires with the amount of hot and dry weather we are having.

“The current conditions are difficult for everyone,” the fire station spokesperson said. “But  imagine having to walk a great distance, carry equipment and extinguish a fire, in fire kit in this heat.”