FIREFIGHTING crews in countries as far apart as Albania and Mexico could soon be saving lives with equipment from Hinkley Point B nuclear power station.

EDF-owned Hinkley B, which closed three years ago after 46 years of generating electricity, is awaiting approval for decommissioning.

Up-to-date firefighting equipment bought in 2014 to ensure the Hinkley fire crews had the best available gear has now passed its use-by date.

So, although no longer meeting stringent British safety standards, the equipment was offered to the International Fire and Rescue Association (IFRA).

Association director and chairman David Kay said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive and accept this valuable contribution from Hinkley Point B and EDF.

“Even though this equipment cannot be used in the UK any more, it is still of a high quality and in very good condition, and will be gratefully received by firefighting colleagues around the world.”

The gear includes 160 sets of emergency personal protective equipment, helmets, tunics, trousers, and boots, as well as a number of stretchers.

IFRA, a UK-based charity, was set up in 2002 to help firefighters and emergency services worldwide, especially in countries impacted by war, civil unrest, or natural disaster.

It expects to send the Hinkley B equipment to several countries, including Albania, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, and Paraguay.

Hinkley B station director Nicola Fauvel said: “Nothing is more important than the ability to be able to save human life.

“Our hope is this equipment, which IRFA has the skills to repurpose, can be reallocated and reused so that equipment we can no longer utilise, can still fulfil the function it was created for.

“Knowing there is Hinkley B kit out there around the world helping those in need is a lovely feeling.”

Hinkley B, which still has its own fire teams, has bought new equipment to replace the gear it has donated.