FENLAND residents are being urged to help raise money to allow three fire engines to be shipped to disadvantaged communities in Kenya.

Last year, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service donated the engines, complete with firefighting equipment, to the Out of Afrika charity.

The engines have now been re-sprayed and are ready to be shipped to Kenya, where they are desperately needed. A total of �9,000 is needed to meet shipping costs.

Julie Martin, founder of Out of Afrika, said: “Out of Afrika is a registered charity based in the UK that works with disadvantaged communities in Kenya.

“While carrying out our work, we set up a Fire Project in 2007, as it was recognised that fire is commonplace in schools in the area. These fires have resulted in the deaths of many children and adults and the loss of school buildings.

“Part of the reason for this is that most schools have no capacity to handle emergencies and little fire safety standards. The fire service also has a shortage of equipment, fire engines and training.

“We are delighted that Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service was able to donate three fire engines and specialist firefighting equipment to the charity. They are greatly needed in Kenya and will greatly reduce the number of deaths and injuries. However, we need the public’s help in raising the money needed for shipping costs.

“It costs around �2800 to ship each appliance to Mombasa and we are seeking donations, however small, to contribute towards these costs. If any schools, businesses or individuals could help, it would be much appreciated by the community of Thika in Kenya”

For further information about the charity, visit their website at www.outofafrika.org or contact Julie by calling 01202 694492 or emailing julie@outofafrika.org

To make a donation to the appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/ooa-fire-engines