A Firefest spokesman says the annual competition in the Canadian city of Windsor gives firefighters a chance to show off their unique skill sets. Firefest spokesman David Bellamy said festival participants are required to don their heavy firefighting gear and attempt to set record paces while carrying a fire hose up a five-story building, The Windsor (Ontario) Star said Sunday. Participants are also required to pull a separate hose to the roof of the building, before moving a heavy steel beam with a sledgehammer, hitting a target with water from a fire house and carrying a mannequin across the finish line. Bellamy said the grueling event not only gives firefighters an opportunity to show off their skills, but also allows members of the public to witness firsthand the tiring actions such workers deal with on the job. Their job is not easy to do.

CHILDREN helped plant the foundations of a new wildlife haven. Holiday Inn Washington, Gateshead, have teamed-up with Tree Appeal to create a new habitat for local wildlife in its grounds.

By Karen Cotton The country duo feels right at home playing at fairs, because they relate with the people in the crowd. By Karen Cotton kcotton@wyomingnews.com The Bellamy Brothers with special guest Ashton Shepherd will perform at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas on Aug. 13.

By Turvil, Philip PROFESSOR DAVID BELLAMY OBE, BOTANIST AND CONSERVATIONIST Botanic gardens have a global responsibility for bringing people together, according to Professor David Bellamy OBE, speaking at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden. "They must enthral, educate, and entertain,"he adds.

BUSINESS owners can train in green issues at a new academy. Entrepreneur Rita Callender, from County Durham, developed an interest in environmental issues after working alongside renowned environmental conservationist Dr David Bellamy, setting up her own environment practice consultancy.