A UNIQUE support group is looking to recruit caring volunteers to offer practical and emotional help to victims of house fires.

The Lancashire Red Cross Fire Victim Support Service -- based at Penwortham Fire Station -- needs people to be on call to help out after a blaze.

Retired firefighter, Geoff Jenkinson who set-up the scheme in November 1999, said: "After a house fire people react in different ways, volunteers may have to contact social services or just be a good listener."

Within the first few hours of an incident volunteers will have the use of a specially equipped camper-van to help them provide assistance to the occupiers of a damaged property.

The van acts as a temporary retreat and includes spare clothing, baby care and feeding requirements, access to a telephone and light refreshments.

Geoff who was in the fire service for 35 years, said: "This unique service, that is available out of office hours, supports people in crisis across Lancashire and is not offered by any other organisation.

"The service relies on the generosity of the community as all costs are met by voluntary donations. Without our volunteers we would not be able to offer this valuable service," said Geoff.

He added: "We do the training over one weekend, but we do cater to individual needs. For example if someone works shifts then we would fit around them."

To find out more contact Geoff Jenkinson, Fire Victim Support Service co-ordinator at the British Red Cross, Lancashire Branch HQ, Pittman Court, Pittman Way, Fulwood, Preston PR2 9ZG. Email gjenkinson@redcross.org.uk or call him on 709555.