ORGANISATIONS with a responsibility and interest in protecting the public in rural areas met today to discuss and explore how they can work better together to protect the public.

ORGANISATIONS with a responsibility and interest in protecting the public in rural areas met today to discuss and explore how they can work better together to protect the public.

The Safety Summit was led by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer Lee Howell and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, and chair of the Devon Strategic Partnership Delivery Board, chief superintendent Jo Tennant.

The event was an opportunity for key individuals of each organisation to meet and share information.

Chief superintendent Jo Tennant said: "Events such as these help organisations to better prepare for emergencies and the result is that the public will be safer.

"The public can rest assured that those who provide assistance in times of need are talking to each other and improving arrangements all the time."

Chief fire officer Lee Howell said: "I was very pleased with the support and enthusiasm shown by partners in attending this event. "The public rightly expect and receive a high standard from our emergency services and by working together more effectively, we can further improve public safety to continue to ensure that Devon and Somerset is a safe place to live, work end enjoy.