Appledore has new fire engine

APPLEDORE Fire Station has taken delivery of a new fire appliance. The official handover took place on Saturday when Watch Manager Tony Cole received the keys from area manager Mike Holme. This was followed by the presentation of an employer s recogniti

APPLEDORE Fire Station has taken delivery of a new fire appliance. The official handover took place on Saturday when Watch Manager Tony Cole received the keys from area manager Mike Holme.

This was followed by the presentation of an employer's recognition plaque to Andy Hamilton, director of Babcock Marine, owners of Appledore shipyard, by Torridge District Councillor Andrew Eastman.

Bideford Area Fire Safety Officer Colin Mills said: "We are presenting this plaque to Andy Hamilton to thank Babcock Marine for their outstanding commitment over four decades in allowing their employees to respond to emergency calls in the Appledore area. Thanks to Babcock Marine's willingness to support their employees' dual role, the community of Appledore has had emergency cover throughout the day for many years. Undoubtedly lives have been saved and Babcock Marine's support has made Appledore a much safer place to live."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is currently interested in recruiting retained firefighters in North Devon.

Retained firefighters are not based at a fire station, but are on on standby as they go about their everyday lives. For more information on becoming a retained firefighter phone (01392) 872346/331 or visit www.dsfire.gov.uk