Representatives from Cheshire West and Chester Council joined colleagues from the emergency services to praise the essential work they do to keep communities safe.

The council marked Emergency Services Day on Monday, September 9, in Chester.

The event was attended by colleagues from Countess of Chester Hospital, police, fire, coastguard, military, and local dignitaries.

The day served as an appreciation for the approximately two million people who work and volunteer across the various emergency services and NHS, including hundreds of volunteers who are an essential part of the emergency services.

Volunteers include special constables, retained firefighters, NHS community responders, St John Ambulance, the RNLI, search and rescue, and HM coastguard volunteers.

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Razia Daniels, said: "Our emergency services also play a crucial role in helping to prevent emergencies and incidents and protecting some of the communities’ most vulnerable people.

"Today, on behalf of the people of the City of Chester, I would like to thank all those who form part of the emergency services, NHS staff, military personnel, and volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year to keep us all safe and well.

"Many individuals put themselves at risk in the line of duty and sadly some of them have lost their own lives or been injured.

"It is therefore important that we remember their ultimate sacrifices, and that we express our thanks and sincere gratitude to all those who have served, and continue to serve, and be there for us all in our hour of need."

Emergency Services Day is supported by His Majesty The King, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, the prime minister and First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, the NHS, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and all search and rescue organisations across the UK.