THE actions of the team of Lancashire firefighters in Haiti are to be applauded.

On Saturday, the eight-strong group helped in the rescue of a man and a woman who had both been stuck in rubble since Tuesday’s earthquake.

After digging for nearly seven hours they were able to pull out the 60-year-old man free with just minor injuries.

And the 40-year-old woman, who had been trapped in a collapsed building, was reached after they tunnelled through the wreckage for four hours.

The firefighters are facing terrible conditions following the disaster which has seen more than 50,000 people killed.

But these two rescues show that there is still hope to reach survivors and must have been a huge morale boost to the team.

All its members have made personal sacrifices to be able to help those in desperate need.

They were roused from their beds around midnight on Tuesday and within hours were on their way through the snow and ice to Gatwick airport, leaving behind their loved ones in Lancashire.

As part of the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue team they have worked doggedly to help the people of Haiti.

It is good to know that even during the worst of times, humanity can still shine through and make a difference.