Fire service donates retired engine to Malawi

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said the engine still had plenty of life in it

A fire service has donated one of its engines to help a brigade in South East Africa.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said it would contribute the Volvo engine to help firefighters in a community in Malawi, whose team the service has strong links with.

The vehicle was retired after the service introduced six new appliances but Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen said it still had "plenty of life left in it yet".

Cumbria Fire Service's group manager, Owen McCarney, said the vehicle would "play a vital role in enhancing the firefighting capabilities of our colleagues in Malawi".

The appliance is in the process of being transported, with a fire hose, branches and firefighter personal protective equipment.

The service said it had "enjoyed links" and learning visits with the team in Malawi over recent years.

'Protect lives'

Mr Allen said it was a "fantastic opportunity for Cumbria to strengthen international ties whilst providing a much-needed piece of equipment to a community that will benefit from it".

Mr McCarney added the team was "honoured" to help.

He said: "We hope this donation will significantly improve emergency response services in Malawi, helping to protect lives and property."