A TEAM of Hampshire firefighters have spoken of their experiences after returning from earthquake hit Nepal.

The squad of 10 urban search and rescue officers were part of a team of 70 UK firefighters dispatched to aid devastated Kathmandu as part of the UK-ISAR team for up to two weeks.

The group, who work across Hampshire, jetted off with seven UK International search and rescue crews to rescue trapped people and help communities in the aftermath.

Daily Echo:

This included four search and rescue dogs, a medical support team and hazardous materials specialist and took more than 12 tonnes of kit including torches, axes, rope, search cameras, stretchers and tents.

Now they have returned to Hampshire Fire and Rescue headquarters in Eastleigh and many spoke of the 'humbling' experience of being there to support people affected by natural disaster.

Phil Clack from Eastleigh HQ, was part of the operations team, searching for people beneath the rubble and making sure survivors had enough food, water and shelter.

He said: "The main thing I have taken away form this is the amazing resilience of the local people. They were so happy to see us but they were all so self sufficient as well and were just getting on with it.

Lee Giffard also worked with Phil to help rescue locals and said: "I met one man who had lost his mother, father, wife and children and you just can't believe how someone could come back from that but he was there amongst the broken buildings trying to help others and build his new life."