Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has appealed for a donation of any old horseboxes to practice rescuing the animals from road accidents.

With four major race courses in the county, including Epsom Downs and Kempton Park, Surrey's roads are an artery for the movement of thoroughbreds and race winners, as well as the population of much loved local horses. As part of their training firefighters practice rescuing animals from crashes and they have appealed for horseboxes as well as cars to train with.

Barry Wood, who heads up the fire service animal rescue operation said "The fact our firefighters are ready for anything is down to the regular training they undergo. We aim to make this training as real as possible so we are appealing for a horsebox. We also need old cars to practice cutting motorists free."

The service needs around 30 cars, vans and minibuses as well as the horseboxes and is willing to arrange free collection from anywhere in Surrey or on its borders.

Anyone with a scrap car or horsebox they would like to donate should call Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters on 01737 242444 or Gordon May on 07968 834574.