WHILE the car scrappage scheme was a welcome boost for the industry and motorists alike, it has had an unwelcome effect on a champion firefighting team.

The trade-in initiative has meant there are fewer old bangers to go around, and now Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s world champion extrication team has a shortage of cars on which to practise their skills.

They are now launching an appeal for old cars so that they can keep up their training.

Scrap cars are desperately needed before the team take part in the UK Rescue Challenge in September.

Hampshire extrication team leader Steve Barrow, said: “Until the introduction of the scrappage scheme we never had a problem getting vehicle donations, but the situation has become a lot more difficult.

This year is particularly important to us as we are hosting the UK Rescue Challenge in September.

“This event is a big event on the Fire and Rescue Service calendar and as current vehicle extrication champions we need all the practice we can get to ensure we remain at the top of our game.

“Not only does my team use these vehicles, but firefighters around the county also use them in order to learn the important skills they need when they attend life-critical road traffic incidents.”

If you think you can help, contact Silverlake Garage Ltd at Shedfield on 01489 782537. Members of the public are asked not to contact their local fire station.

Vehicles can be driven to the garage in Botley Road, Shedfield, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday or 10am to 1pm on a Saturday.

They can also be picked up by the garage.