Old fire engines sent to Africa

Six fire engines from Bristol which have reached the end of their service life are to be sent to Africa.

The appliances were handed over to The Gambian High Commissioner, Elizabeth Ya Eli Harding, in a ceremony at Avon Fire and Rescue Service HQ in Bristol.

Each machine will now be driven to Southampton from where they will be shipped to The Gambia.

To date 40 fire engines, seven ambulances, a rescue tender and other equipment has been shipped out.

The charity Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership (GAFSIP) has also sent equipment to schools and hospitals in the area.

"Without this equipment and training there would be no fire and rescue service in The Gambia"

Money raised to ship the vehicles to The Gambia has been raised by the charity GAFSIP and by a donation from the Thornbury Lions Club.

Chief executive of Avon Fire and Rescue Kevin Pearson said: "We are delighted to be handing these appliances over to the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service.

"[The equipment] has made a real difference to the lives of people who live in and visit The Gambia, with the creation of a fire and rescue service.

"Without this equipment and training there would be no fire and rescue service in The Gambia, which would ultimately put more lives at risk."

The charity GAFSIP began in 1991 when Dave Hutchings, a former chief fire officer was on holiday in The Gambia and witnessed a road traffic collision in which two adults and four children died, because of a lack of rescue equipment available.

When he returned home Mr Hutchings helped raise money to pay for equipment no longer being used to be shipped to The Gambia.

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