FLOOD and fire victims are to benefit from a service that will provide emergency care and support for people whose homes are uninhabitable and who need immediate help.

Cleveland Fire Brigade has joined with the British Red Cross to provide care for fire and flood victims from a new mobile unit, which will be operated by volunteers.

It will be sent out to domestic fires and floods, supplying victims with clothes, hot drinks, toilet and rest facilities as well as information on accommodation and help with insurance advice.

The vehicle has been funded by the Freemason Grand Charity and will be kept at Redcar Fire Station.

The service will be particularly aimed at east Cleveland after residents of Skinningrove fell victim to three floods in a space of four months last year.

The first struck in July, when after days of heavy rain, an 8ft wall of water stormed down the village's beck.

In a matter of minutes, a mixture of sewage, mud and water swept into people's homes. The village was also hit by floods in October and again in November.

Steve Hilton, from Cleveland Fire Brigade, is working with Red Cross Fire Victim Support co-ordinators to familiarise firefighters with the emergency response service.

He said: "It will provide vital practical support when it is needed most - immediately after a fire or flood."

Volunteers are needed for the scheme, particularly from the Middlesbrough, east Cleveland and Grangetown areas.

Ros Felcus, fire victim support co-ordinator, said: "Volunteers who are able to drive are urgently needed to help run the scheme.

"We aim to recruit 30 volunteers to staff the service between 7pm and 7am, Monday to Friday and for a 24-hour period at weekends. Residential training will be given."

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Mr Felcus on 0191-386 4367.

Completion of a £261,000 flood defence scheme providing 274 metres of flood walling, floodgates, collapsible bridge parapets and a debris screen, was unveiled at Skinningrove, in east Cleveland, yesterday.