A Malawi community will benefit from improved fire and rescue response thanks to a donation from Cumbria.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has donated a Volvo FL6 fire engine to the Blantyre City Council Fire Brigade.

The appliance, which has a fire hose, branches, and an assortment of firefighter personal protective equipment, is currently being transported to Malawi.

Cumbria has built links with the southeast African country over recent years, with learning visits taking place between the respective fire services.

The introduction of six new Scania fire appliances to Cumbria last year meant that the Volvo had reached the end of its life within the service.

Owen McCarney, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service group manager, said: "This contribution reflects our commitment to international collaboration and supporting communities in need.

"The fire appliance, which has served Cumbria faithfully for many years, will now play a vital role in enhancing the firefighting capabilities of our colleagues in Malawi.

"We hope that this donation will significantly improve emergency response services in Malawi, helping to protect lives and property.

"Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is honoured to make a difference beyond our national borders."

The donation was agreed upon by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and approved by Cumbria’s police, fire and crime commissioner.

David Allen, Cumbria's police, fire and crime commissioner, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Cumbria to strengthen international ties whilst providing a much-needed piece of equipment to a community that will benefit from it.

"The Volvo still has plenty of life left in it yet, so I was delighted to agree to it being sent to Malawi.

"I wish the fire service in Malawi all the best with their new appliance, I hope it serves them as well as it served Cumbria and hope that we can continue to build on our international collaboration."