FIREFIGHTERS have appealed for people to donate scrap cars after they were left short by the Government scrappage scheme.

Despite the cash-incentive scheme ending earlier this year, Hampshire and Fire Rescue Service is still faced with a shortage of cars for crews to practise rescuing casualties from crash sites.

The firefighting force wants more vehicles to practise ahead of the UK Rescue Challenge in September – an event it will host and which will feature 50 firefighting teams from around the country.

Watch manager Steve Barrow, extrication team leader, said: “Until the introduction of the Government’s scrappage scheme, we never had a problem getting vehicle donations, but the situation has become a lot more difficult after the Government introduced a cash incentive.

“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 extraction champions, we need all the practice we can get to ensure we remain top of our game.

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

He asked for people to call Silverlake Garage Ltd, in Shedfield – the fire service’s appointed scrap car suppliers – on 01489 782537, if they think they can help.