Firefighters at Aylesbury were given a demonstration of the services provided by a special British Red Cross vehicle today.

The FESS, or Fire & Emergency Support Service, is a converted camper van which provides shelter and support to people who have been involved in domestic fires, floods or other emergency incidents.

Buckinghamshire co-ordinator Makyla Greaves gave White Watch a guided tour of one of the two vehicles serving Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's area, and explained how the FESS can deal with emotional and practical issues while firefighters deal with the incident.

The vehicles are crewed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by volunteers who respond to a pager alert from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's emergency control room. They attend incidents anywhere in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes and, if requested, go over the border to assist neighbouring areas.

Makyla said: "As well as providing immediate temporary shelter, refreshments, clothing, toiletries and hygiene items, we offer shower, toilet and washing facilities, use of a telephone and use of a camera to help with insurance claims.

"We also help care for children and pets, help people secure temporary accommodation and put them in touch with other organisations offering assistance."

Watch Manager Steve Brooks said: "The visit was quite an eye-opener - they've thought of everything!

"We knew the FESS had an excellent reputation, but even we were surprised by the range of facilities on offer and the number of ways in which the volunteers can provide practical help." 

The British Red Cross welcomes donations of items for the two vehicles - in particular towels, sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, duvets, sleeping bags, toothpaste, clothes, socks and toys. In addition, unwanted presents can be used as raffle prizes to raise funds.

If you can help, please contact the British Red Cross 01296 739300.