SUPPORT from a horticultural firm has enabled a charity to deploy a team of arborists to Vanuatu, after the south Pacific island was left devastated by Cyclone Pam.

Chorley-based Glendale, which are based in Duxbury Park and Stein Products Limited have funded the cost of the trip and supplied equipment, such as chainsaws and ropes, to allow a charity to carry out its work.

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Skilled arboriculture specialists from DART (Disaster Arboriculture Response Team) International UK will spend three weeks in Vanuatu clearing fallen timber which is preventing vital aid, including food and shelter supplies, from reaching some of the worst-affected areas.

The United Nations said thousands of fallen trees are blocking roads, downing power lines and causing flooding after Cyclone Pam tore through the island, killing 11 people and leaving at least 3,300 others homeless.

Glendale has provided ongoing support to the charity, including donations, sponsorship, IT and marketing support.

Glendale arborist Gary Bailey helped to set up Dart International UK.

It works to help make trees safe in disaster zones across the world, after witnessing first-hand the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013.

He is travelling to Vanuatu alongside his Dart colleague, Andy Macpherson.

Terry Doyle, regional director for Glendale, said: “Glendale understands that in any situation, having trained and experienced specialists on hand to help is important.

“This is even more so when disaster strikes. Dart’s work is helping alleviate some of the serious issues that occur when trying to get humanitarian aid in very quickly after a disaster has occurred and we hope that our sponsorship and support allows it to use its knowledge and expertise to help those affected by this terrible disaster.”

Mike Metcalfe, operations manager for Dart International UK, said: “Cyclone Pam is one of the worst storms to hit the South Pacific.

“The situation out there is incredibly serious.

“Aid agencies have said the conditions are among the most challenging they have ever faced.”

Donations to support the continuation of the project can be made at www.justgiving.com/dart-international-uk/ or by texting TDSXD04 £5 to 70070.