A partnership between two of emergency services will see the re-launch of a vital service to Lancashire.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the county's British Red Cross office, based in Pittman Way, Preston, have modernised their nine-year partnership to include the re-launch of a specially adapted Fire and Emergency Support Service vehicle.

The Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS) offers a temporary retreat at the scene of an incident and offers immediate shelter, comfortable seating for up to nine adults; shower and toilet facilities; refreshments, access to telephones.

It includes improved navigation and communication equipment and operates a 24-hour out-of-hours service, from 7pm to 6am, and at weekends and bank holidays.

Volunteers are on a rota and are mobilised via a paging system activated by Fire Service Control when requested to attend incidents.

Ernie Walton, district manager for the North, Central and West Lancashire District Office of the British Red Cross said: "The FESS vehicle and volunteers are an integral part of the British Red Cross service to Lancashire County Council's Emergency Response system, providing immediate support to the public involved in situations including floods, fires, gas leaks.

"The service provides everything for people who need to be evacuated to safe areas and cared for, while the emergency services deal with whatever is required to return the situation to normality as soon as possible."

The partnership between the two services began in 1999, when the British Red Cross introduced the FESS, a unique service which supports people in a crisis in Lancashire and is not offered by any other organisation in the area.

The FESS service is free of charge, although it can only operate through donations, and it is offered in conjunction with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, which has its Lancashire headquarters in Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston.

Chief Fire Officer of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Peter Holland, said: "Lancashire Fire and Rescue are grateful to the volunteers from the British Red Cross who are able to provide a fantastic service for the victims who have suffered serious damage to their property.

"Losing possessions in a house fire can be very distressing and difficult time and the service that the Red Cross offers, gives the victims comfort in knowing that they have access to the phone, internet and other much needed facilities."

If you are interested in volunteering with the British Red Cross's Lancashire Fire and Emergency Response team please contact Ernie Walton 01772-707311, office hours, or e-mail ewalton@redcross.org.uk for details.