RIVERSIDE walkers thought they had stumbled upon a dramatic rescue when they saw firefighters rush to a smoke-covered ferry on the Wye.

A launch was launched to take casualties off the boat and from the river at Symonds Yat, with lifesavers safely delivering them to the shore and medical treatment.

The adrenaline was certainly pumping, but thankfully the Sunday, October 17, incident was only a training exercise, so that firefighters and paramedics are ready to deal with the real thing should it ever happen.

A spokesperson for Whitchurch Fire Station said: "Today crews from Whitchurch/Ross on Wye, Monmouth, Fownhope, Hereford, Eardisley, Ledbury and Malpas took part in a river rescue exercise at Symonds Yat.

"A huge thank you to Symonds Yat Leisure Park for allowing us to use their boat and train on siteâ?¦ all casualties rescued from a burning boat and from the river.

"Thank you to West Mercia Police, the Ambulance Service, Hart Team, Heart of Worcester College and Solihull College and University. Well done to everyone involved."