FIREFIGHTERS will be responding to river emergencies using a new rescue boat thanks to a much-loved colleague.

Dougie Wright was a friend and colleague at Thornaby Fire Station, who died from cancer a few years ago.

His family have made a donation which, together with money from the Environment Agency, has enabled Cleveland Fire Brigade to buy a five-metre inflatable rescue boat. The boat, named “Wrighty”, can rescue up to 15 people at a time and can also tow a rescue sledge, which can hold ten people.

Steve Owens, Thornaby Fire Station manager, said: “We have aptly named the boat after Dougie, who was a much-loved friend and colleague, who lost his battle with cancer a couple of years ago.

“A private naming ceremony has been held with Dougie’s wife Amanda, and their two sons, Thomas and Adam.

“Over the past two years, our boat was used in 21 incidents, but the new one has the potential to be used even more.”