Rescue service heads to Africa

Members of the service took four rescue boats to the Gambia

Staff from the Avon Fire and Rescue Service in Bristol are going to the Gambia to renew old friendships.

Firefighters will be demonstrating their techniques when tackling a blaze and others will be helping in national disaster management training.

The project has now been running for 13 years and has been made possible thanks to the fundraising of the firefighters.

The service has also sent more than 20 fire engines and four inflatable rescue boats to the country.

The idea came from a Bristol firefighter who saw a car crash while on holiday and was appalled at the standard of emergency help.