Avon Fire and Rescue Recieve insignia of Commander of the National Order of the Republic of The Gambia

Avon Fire and Rescue Service has been awarded one of The Gambia's highest honours for its charity work in the West African state.The brigade has helped kit out The Gambia's fire service with used engines and rescue boats.

President Yahya Jammeh has awarded the Bristol-based service the insignia of Commander of the National Order of the Republic of The Gambia (CRG).Chief Fire Officer Kevin Pearson said it was a "prestigious accolade"."Not only does it recognise the training and donations we have supplied to The Gambia over the years,but it also pays tribute to the work of our staff in organising fundraising events, collecting items, filling containers and raising money for the charity," he said.

The charity Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership (GAFSIP) was set up in 1991 by a former chief fire officer who witnessed a fatal crash while on holiday in The Gambia.He was appalled by a lack of rescue equipment and began raising money for the Gambia Fire Service when he returned home.