The British Red Cross is appealing for donations to support its Fire and Emergency Support Service team which has dealt with 16 Bradford callouts so far this year.

Volunteers man a specially-adapted vehicle so they can attend emergencies around the clock for those displaced by fires or other emergencies including floods. The team has attended 80 incidents in West Yorkshire this year and volunteers supported 500 people at 159 incidents last year.

The service is dependent on donations from the public.

A spokesman for the British Red Cross said: “The Red Cross is often pictured in the news helping those in need overseas, but over the festive period the help it gives is needed just as much in your local community.

“At each callout our volunteers respond within an hour. We’re faced with emotional crisis situations, often in the middle of the night where families have nowhere to go.

“Our volunteers provide practical and emotional support to families who are distressed.

“We offer warm drinks and a safe place to sit in the FESS vehicle, while we have the facilities to arrange accommodation and look at insurance issues. We can provide a change of clothes, toiletry bags, a shower.”

The FESS has been operating across the Yorkshire and Humber region for more than 15 years with 60 volunteers and there are four vehicles in the region, based at Idle fire station in Bradford, and at fire stations in Barnsley, Doncaster and Hull.

John Naylor, the British Red Cross Service manager for the FESS vehicle and emergency response in the Yorkshire and Humber region, said: “Many we help have gone through a traumatic experience and may be confused and frightened, and not know where to get help. We can help by giving them clean clothes, warm drinks, somewhere warm to sit, but above all a listening ear and support.”

Those wishing to donate can visit justgiving.com/RedCross Yorks.