FIREFIGHTERS from Lancashire are en route to Algeria today to join rescue teams dealing with the aftermath of the country's worst earthquake for two decades.

The 16-strong team, including six firefighters from East Lancashire, jetted off from Stansted Airport last night to join the rescue efforts.

They include Station Officer Andy Barnes, from Oswaldtwistle and firefighter Dave Widdup, from Darwen, both based at Blackburn Fire Station; Sub Officer Ged Richmond, from Burnley, but based at Service HQ, Fulwood and Sub Officer Nigel Boden, also from Burnley, but based at Rawtenstall Fire Station; firefighter Kirk Livesey, from Burnley and based at Nelson Fire Station and firefighter Darren Hudson, who lives in Clitheroe but based at Hyndburn Fire Station.

The team are expected to remain in Algeria for at least a week following Tuesday's earthquake, which is reported to have killed more than 1,000 people and injured nearly 1,700 more in the country's capital, Algiers and nearby cities along the Mediterranean coast.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Gerry O'Neill, who is heading the Lancashire team and in charge of the whole UK contingent of firefighters, said: "Though we in Lancashire are glad of our experience in responding to disasters on this scale, it is of course a sobering thought that it has been gained in the wake of such immense suffering.

"I am honoured and immensely proud to be leading the UK rescue team."

A team of four specially-trained search dogs and handlers accompanied the firefighters on their flight, from the Lancashire-based charity Canis, which trains dogs for rescue work.

Darwen firefighter Ken Baron, the charity's equipment handler, will be staying behind as the three border collies and a labrador get to work in Algeria. He said: "I've been doing this for two years and this is the first time we've had a call to an emergency.

"The dogs are specially trained for this sort of work."