A HEREFORD water safety expert is on course for international action with a role in the world's most exciting adventure challenge.

Firefighter Mark Cullum takes his talents to the sun-drenched South Pacific tasked with training teams for this year's Camel Trophy.

The exciting event unfolds around the islands of Tonga and Fiji over June/July.

Mark, 37, has been specifically selected for his wide range of experience in waterborne survival - including logistics, emergency response and medical care.

Over two decades the Camel Trophy has evolved into a competition incorporating competitors from 22 countries. Mark was one of the UK team who finished runners-up in 1994 and has twice served in a staff capacity.

Participants must be proficient in a variety of disciplines from scuba diving to mountain climbing.

As a first-aid, navigation and boat instructor Mark will train teams in these vital areas before the event.

On his return, Mark faces another test of his attributes - planning a major fire-service rescue exercise on one of the county's rivers.