RADCLIFFE firefighter Martin Fisher has returned home after searching for survivors in earthquake-hit Algeria.

The 35-year-old lifesaver was a member of a ten-man team from Greater Manchester Fire Service which flew to the capital of Algiers just hours after the quake struck to help the multi-national rescue operation.

They were joined by 40 members of the United Kingdom Fire Service Search and Rescue Team (UKFSSART) which helped with similar disasters in India and Turkey.

More than 2,000 people lost their lives when the earthquake brought down hundreds of homes and buildings, leaving many victims trapped under tonnes of rubble.

The UK rescuers returned home on Monday (May 26), 24 hours before a second earthquake killed a further three people and injured 187.

During the five-day stay, Martin and other team members were based at the epicentre of the first earthquake in Boumerdes. They camped at a sports stadium with 800 other rescuers.

They worked with rescue dogs and used thermal imaging cameras to search deep into the remains of collapsed buildings for survivors.

They also had the grim task of marking dead bodies.

Martin, who works at the Brigade Training Centre in Manchester, received a big welcome from his family when he flew back to Britain.

He is pictured being welcomed home by his daughter Christie (11).

He said of his experience: "There was a great spirit among everyone that had come to help.

"Even though many of us spoke different languages, we were able to work well together."

Martin said it was clear from the scale of the destruction that there would be few survivors.

Rescue teams battled against searing heat and poor sanitation.