A FIRE engine previously based at Torness Power Station is to play a key role in training firefighters from across the globe.

The International Fire and Rescue Association (IFRA) supplies vehicles, equipment and training in countries including Paraguay, Argentina, Bosnia, Liberia and Namibia, where fire services are often voluntary.

EDF, which manages the East Lothian power station, has done its bit to help after recently replacing its on-site fire engine with a newer model.

Now, the older version has been donated to IFRA, which is based in Dunfermline.

Tam Al-Bishawi, station director at the power station, near Dunbar, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to help IFRA in this way.

“It was a privilege to be able to hand over the keys to the fire tender knowing that it will be going on to support IFRA’s aim of promoting and protecting the preservation of life.”

In 2017, IFRA started to run international fire training schools in Scotland for firefighters from around the world.

The appliance from Torness will be used as part of that training.

David Kay, chairman and founder of IFRA, thanked Torness, which employs more than 500 people, for the donation.

He said: “The IFRA assists in 21 countries and has sent 100 appliances worldwide along with 70 training missions and 60 containers full of equipment and uniforms.

“We do not receive any government funding and are solely dependent on donations and fundraising.

“This appliance will be a fantastic vehicle for us to use and train international firefighters in modern techniques that they can apply in their own home countries, allowing them to save lives and stay safer whilst carrying out their duties.

“EDF, working in partnership with IFRA, will be responsible for making these firefighters better, safer firefighters.”

It is not the first time that Torness has supported IFRA.

Donations of equipment and uniform were previously made and went to help services in South America and St Helena in the Atlantic Ocean.