Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has seen a decrease in the number of recorded fires in its latest annual report.

From April 2019 to March 2020 firefighters attended nearly 8,500 incidents, around 1,000 less than in the previous year.

According to its latest performance report, accidental house fire fires - including deaths and injuries caused - were all down on the previous year.

The biggest decrease was recorded in relation to small fires - including outdoor grass and bin fires - where there was a 44 percent decrease on the previous year.

Road traffic collisions attended by firefighters were recorded as marginally higher than the previous year at 698 compared to 684.

The report entitled 'Statement of Assurance', reveals how the service has worked across its communities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people across Staffordshire.

As well as detailing performance statistics the report also highlights prevention work carried out in the local community and developments in how crews tackle incidents.

Speaking of the report, director of community safety for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Howard Watts, said: "I am pleased that the report highlights all the work we have carried out and continue to do within our communities to help reduce individuals' risk of fire in the home and outside the home.

"The report shows how much has been done and what we have yet to do to make sure we are best serving the people of Staffordshire including young people, the elderly and the vulnerable.

"It also highlights how we continue to be called upon to assist with major incidents nationally and details what we as a service are doing to maintain our high standards.

"I'd like to thank all of our fire fighters and staff for their continued work and commitment to our communities, especially during these challenging circumstances."

Within the community, the service completed a total of 26,838 'Safe and Well' visits during 2019/20, which included fitting smoke and heat detectors as well as offering individuals advice on fire safety.

The majority of these were carried out in the homes of the most vulnerable including the elderly and less mobile who may find it harder to escape should a fire occur in their homes.

The report also notes that the Safe & Sound educational campaign carried out by the service, with the support of Staffordshire Police, Natwest Bank and St John Ambulance Service, was particularly successful, with 173 schools and 8,000 children taking part.

Overall, the service received positive feedback from its partners and regulator, as in December 2019, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) rated Staffordshire Fire and Rescue as "Good" at providing an effective service to the public, making the best use of resources and also for looking after people. The service was rated as "Outstanding" at promoting the right values and culture.