GLOBE-trotting Lancashire fire brigade has been asked to supply manpower on an aid mission to help firefighters in Sarajevo.

Fireman's Relief Aid is putting together a project to send out five fire engines, an articulated lorry of firefighting equipment and a Land Rover support vehicle.

The Essex-based charity has contacted Accrington station commander Colin Cunliffe asking if Lancashire fire service can provide volunteer drivers.

The brigade is now looking at ways of funding their involvement.

Each fire appliance will cost about £1,500 in fuel, ferry crossings and tolls to get to the repatriated areas around the Bosnian capital.

For the last four years firemen in Sarajevo have come under heavy shelling and sniper fire while tackling up to 16 major fires a day.

A third of their force has been killed and more than 35 firemen have been wounded.

Their appliances are old, some are beyond repair and there is a severe shortage of firefighting equipment ranging from portable pumps and ladders to boots, uniforms, gloves and torches.

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