FIRE fighters had to rescue a tree surgeon who became ill at the top of a 40ft tree.

Crews from Billericay and an aerial ladder platform (ALP) from Grays worked with the Ambulance Service to bring him down to ground level where he could be given a full assessment.

The incident happened just before 2pm in Brickfield Road, Basildon.

The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service at 2.48pm.