JET-SETTING firefighter Richard Warburton took a trip "down under" to take a cue from his Australian contemporaries.

Richard visited the Sydney Paralympics, with colleagues, to get an insight into the potential problems facing the fire service during Manchester's 2002 Commonwealth Games.

The team spent seven days looking at how the fire, police and ambulance services ensured the safety of spectators.

Richard (40), of Parkhills Road, Bury, said: "I'm sure it will prove invaluable. It was enjoyable, but a lot of hard work.

"It's such a massive task, we needed to identify all the problems and make risk assessments."

Fire officers looked at safety from all angles, such as the need to ensure safe passage for sports fans into and out of games venues, fire engine access and how to deal with potential terrorist attacks.

Richard, pictured storing up the facts culled during his trip, also visited Kuala Lumpur two years ago to look at safety measures employed during the last Commonwealth Games.

Now Richard, a station officer based at the service's Swinton headquarters, will report his findings to bosses, other emergency services and the Commonwealth Games committee.