LANCASHIRE firefighters are giving up their spare time this week to help set up a fire service for a part of the former Yugoslavia.

Ten people came over from Montenegro yesterday to be given a week-long crash course in being a firefighter.

Since the end of the war in the Balkans, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has been involved in Operation Florian to set up a fire service for the country.

Vehicles and equipment which was no longer of use has already been donated. Now a number of firefighters have volunteered to run the training course over the next week at the Washington Hall training centre in Euxton, Chorley.

Next Wednesday, after the firefighters from Montenegro have carried out practical and classroom training, there will be a special passing out parade for them.

Lancashire Chief Fire Officer Peter Holland said: "The war in the Balkans was terrible, but the absence or much reduced provision of fire and rescue emergency capability in the aftermath to war was one aspect of the tragedy there that we felt we could genuinely do something about.

"The personnel involved do so in the capacity of volunteers, giving up their own time to contribute to a wholly worthwhile cause, ensuring that people in Montenegro, and the other Balkan countries affected by the war, do not at least suffer needlessly as a result of accidental fires and other incidents, when they have already experienced tragedy arising out of conflict.

"I am delighted to welcome these firefighters from Montenegro and proud that we are able to equip them with the skills they need to carry out their vital work.

"I wish them all the best for the future and commend their commitment and dedication to a profession crucial to the regeneration of a nation in the process of recovery."