WILTSHIRE Fire Brigade is looking for volunteers to help man its new Fire Victim Support Unit.

The unit is a motor home that provides shelter, food, a change of clothes and washing facilities to people whose homes have caught alight. It also has a phone so victims of fire can contact family to arrange accommodation.

The unit runs in partnership with the Red Cross and relies on volunteer drivers. Mike Shipman, service co-ordinator for the Red Cross, said: "We are looking for people who want to turn their spare time into care time by making themselves available to crew this important vehicle."

Brigade liaison officer for the Red Cross, Divisional Officer Les Sharpe, added: "It's a great vehicle which will add an extra level of support for fire victims in the whole of Wiltshire.

"There is already an excellent support scheme running in Swindon, which utilises a number of local hotels, but the new vehicle will be able to attend incidents and provide care on site."

Volunteers will receive full training from the Wiltshire Fire Brigade's driving instructor.

Anyone interested can contact Mike Shipman on (01380) 730 131 or mshipman@redcross.org.uk