Nottinghamshire Celebrates Successful UKRO National Rope Rescue Challenge
Posted on 05 October 2026
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is celebrating the successful conclusion of the UKRO National Rope Rescue Challenge, after three days of competition brought specialist rescue teams together in Nottingham.
Hosted by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service alongside the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO), the event took place from Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 October and saw 12 teams from across the UK and overseas put their technical rope rescue skills to the test.
The competition began at the National Ice Centre on Thursday with registration, a Technical Skills Challenge and Opening Ceremony, before teams headed out across Nottingham on Friday and Saturday.
Seven locations across the city were transformed into competition venues, with teams tackling realistic scenarios designed to test their technical skills, teamwork, decision-making, leadership and casualty care.
The event also attracted spectators throughout the three days, with people coming along to watch some of the country's specialist rescue teams in action.
After three days of competition, London Fire Brigade was crowned the overall winning team and also took the award for Best Medic, while Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service won Best Team Leader.
There was also plenty for the home team to celebrate, with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service presented with the Spirit of UKRO Award, as well as securing third place in the Best Medic category and finishing seventh overall.
Group Manager Leigh Holmes said: "What an incredible three days it has been. We're extremely proud to have hosted the UKRO National Rope Rescue Challenge here in Nottinghamshire and to have welcomed teams from across the UK and overseas to our city.
"The standard of the competition was fantastic, but what really stood out was the spirit of the event. It gave teams the chance to learn from one another, share good practice and build relationships, while showcasing the skill and professionalism of specialist rescue teams.
We're also incredibly proud of our Nottinghamshire team. To finish seventh overall, take third place in the medic category and receive the Spirit of UKRO Award is a fantastic achievement.
"An event on this scale simply doesn't happen without a huge amount of work behind the scenes. I want to personally thank Jack Smith, a Crew Manager at Highfields Fire Station, who has been instrumental in bringing the event together. Jack is incredibly passionate about rope rescue, has been part of the Nottinghamshire team competing in previous challenges, and has put an enormous amount of time, effort and commitment into making the event a success.
"I'd also like to say a massive thank you to everyone from UKRO, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, our host venues and partner organisations who played a part. It has been a fantastic team effort and something we can all be incredibly proud of."
Nick Croudace, UKRO Rope Rescue Lead, said: "We'd like to thank Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for hosting such a fantastic National Rope Rescue Challenge.
"UKRO brings together firefighters, rescue specialists, trauma professionals and partner organisations from across the UK and overseas. By sharing knowledge, testing technique, and learning from each other, we can continue to develop and improve operational rescue practice.
"Events like this are only possible because of the hard work and commitment of so many people, from the teams competing to the assessors, organisers, volunteers, venues and everyone working behind the scenes.
"Thank you to everyone who contributed to making these three days such a success."
This year's event marked 20 years of rope rescue as a UKRO challenge discipline and concluded with a Closing Ceremony and awards at Meadow Lane on Saturday evening.
The 12 teams taking part were:
- Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
- London Fire Brigade
- Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
- Avon Fire and Rescue Service
- Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
- Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
- West Midlands Fire Service
- Portugal (ANSD) Fire Service
- Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service
- Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
- Jersey Fire Service
- West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
A huge congratulations to all 12 teams who competed, and a thank you to everyone who helped make the event possible.
