16102/05Wootton Bassett's new mayor, former firefighter Chris Wannell, is helping launch a new charity aimed at supporting victims of fire.

Coun Wannell, 63, of Noremarsh Road, will tonight be made the town's mayor and has named the Fire Victim Support Service as his charity for the year.

The initiative, organised by the British Red Cross and already operating in league with some fire services, offers immediate support and advice in the aftermath of a fire and helps victims continue with their lives.

Coun Wannell said: "I did 32 and a half years in the fire service and I saw graphically what happens to people when fire strikes their homes and the devastation it leaves behind.

"Their world comes crashing down around them and they are left not knowing where to turn or where to go for help and advice on how to rebuild their lives."

Trained volunteers man a camper van which is driven to victims of fire to provide somewhere warm and dry for them to stay in the aftermath of a blaze. Volunteers then offer advice and support on the next steps to take.

Coun Wannell said: "Thankfully I've always been behind the hose rather than being on the receiving end of a fire and it's possible to overlook the after-effects a fire can have.

"The thing that really made it poignant for me was when Mrs Trow had a fire in her wool shop in March you can't underestimate the impact a fire can have."

Wiltshire already has a specially adapted camper van although unlike in Avon, Somerset and Gloucestershire, it is not yet in use. Volunteers are being trained and Coun Wannell hopes the van will be operational very soon.

Coun Wannell, who will take part in the first call out, said: "It's as much about getting volunteers as it is about getting money and we need to have enough people to have it up and running 24/7."

The father-of-two, whose wife Audrey and daughter Heather are also town councillors, will be made the town's mayor at a ceremony tonight, which more than 150 people are expected to attend.

The evening will include a talk about the Fire Victim Support Service by former chief fire officer of Wiltshire, John Craig.

Coun Wannell aims to focus his time as mayor continuing and building on the community spirit in Wootton Basset.

He said: "My main aim as the new mayor will be to keep Wootton Bassett the friendly and kind community that it is. I want to support all the organisations in the town because they're its life blood and I want to support our traders and businessmen because they're also the lifeblood of the town.

"One person doesn't make a town. It's a whole mix of people who together make a community and it's very important to me that we encourage people to take part and support local organisations especially things like the Scouts, Guides, Sea Cadets and our sports clubs.

Semi-retired Coun Wannell joined the council in 1972 and was previously town mayor in 1985.

He was one of the founding members of the Carnival Committee in 1969 and was also a member of the War Memorial Committee. He replaces Susan Cooksley as mayor. Percy Miles will be deputy mayor.