A Multi-Agency Response Vehicle is destined to set sail for Caldey Island later this month courtesy of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The vehicle is part of a first of its kind multi-agency project between Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed Powys Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Natural Resources Wales, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Pembrokeshire County Council - and will be utilised by all partner agencies should they be required to attend an incident on the island.

The 4x4 vehicle, which was unveiled at Tenby Fire Station on Friday, is already eagerly awaited by the islanders.

Caldey Island manager Ben Childs said: "I am delighted that all the agencies involved have worked together to provide Caldey with this very valuable resource. We have been fortunate that incident rates on the island have been low, however it is very reassuring to know that in the event of an emergency occurring, visitors and residents at Caldey are as well provided for as their mainland counterparts.

"The fogging unit in particular will enable the volunteer firefighters to swiftly deal with any small fire incidents, whilst the Land Rover will be a great asset for all the agencies involved in getting around the island - especially to some of the more remote areas."

The vehicle is also receiving a very warm welcome from the island volunteers who will be utilising the Land Rover's fogging unit, non-perishable medical equipment and pollution control equipment when responding to incidents.

Caldey Island volunteer firefighter Frank Miller said: "The Land Rover and fogging unit will greatly assist us in responding to and dealing with incidents at the island. During the summer months in particular we have up to a thousand visitors to the island every day so the ability to utilise the Land Rover to reach parts which are inaccessible to normal vehicles will be of great value to emergency responders and visitors alike. The multi-agency designation of the vehicle will also be of great benefit to me in undertaking my other emergency response role on the island as a member of the Coastguard Rescue Team."

The Community Safety Team within Pembrokeshire Command have been extremely proactive in working with the islanders to ensure that the necessary fire prevention work has been undertaken, including offering home fire safety checks to all residents on the island. However, Assistant Chief Officer Derek Masson believes that this partnership approach will greatly enhance the response resilience available on the island.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Derek Masson added: "I am very proud of the partnership approach that has made this vehicle possible and feel it is an admirable example of collaborative team working, which forms an important part of our commitment to the island. I would like to thank all the partners involved in the delivery of the vehicle which will provide fire, medical and environmental support for the community of Caldey Island. This initiative clearly demonstrates that partnership working is alive and well here in Wales."

Chief Inspector Chris Curtis, Territorial Commander for Pembrokeshire, said: "We recognise the joint response needs of the island and this vehicle will greatly enhance our capability on the island and demonstrates our commitment to multi-agency working."

Dave Miller, Pembs. sector manager for HM Coastguard (responsible for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Search and Rescue role in the UK) added: "HM Coastguard is indebted to Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service for the opportunity to be involved in this unique approach in providing a resource to the benefit of partner agencies in their undertakings on Caldey Island. In turn, this will serve the local island community and visitors in an emergency response."