Twitter support for rescue team

OLDHAMERS can leave messages of support for local firefighters searching for survivors in Japan on Twitter and Facebook.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has joined the popular social networking sites to help provide up to date information as well as offering an opportunity for followers to interact with the seven firefighters sent to support the Japanese emergency services over the weekend.

Royton firefighter Peter Stevenson, Neal Pickersgill, Andy Horridge, Clive Geoghegan, Alex Sugden, Mike Buckley and Dave Swallow flew out to the devastated country as part of the international search and rescue effort following Friday’s earthquake and tsunami.

They joined a convoy of 15 aid vehicles travelling north to Ofunato City where they set up base in a municipal gym among a total of 200 specialist officers.

County fire officer Steve McGuirk, chief executive of GMFRS, said the instant nature of Facebook and Twitter is useful in situations like this.

He added: “The team all have families who are worried about their loved ones and it is always a comfort at times like this to know others are thinking about you.

“I’d encourage people to sign up to our Facebook and Twitter feeds and find out the latest news from the team as they help tackle one of the worst natural disasters the world has seen and leave messages of support for them and their families.”

Both the GMFRS Facebook and Twitter accounts are being updated regularly with news from Japan and photos as and when they’re available from the search.

To join up and leave messages click the “like” icon on the GMFRS Facebook page or follow @manchesterfire on Twitter.