MP Mel Stride has praised the ‘amazing work’ of a local fire fighters rehabilitation centre.

Harcombe House in Chudleigh – a rehabilitation centre of The Fire Fighters Charity – received a visit from the town’s Member of Parliament.

The Central Devon MP wanted to learn more about the valuable work carried out by the charity.

Chief executive Dr Jill Tolfrey and estates and facilities lead Richard Jenkins gave Mr Stride a tour of the facilities and discussed the work the charity does to help serving and former firefighters and their dependants.

This could be dealing with a life-changing injury, health diagnosis or with a range of common mental health issues that can impact the fire services community.

Dr Tolfrey said: ‘Like the rest of us, fire and rescue service personnel face challenges to their health and wellbeing.

‘However, unlike the rest of us their roles also require a high level of physical and mental fitness in order to work professionally in traumatic situations, or in support of those who do.

‘We are here to ensure that every member of our fire services community can live and work healthily and happily.

‘So, we work with them to build their physical and mental resilience throughout their lives and to support them at our centres – like here at Harcombe House – when recovering from injury or illness, or when they need support with their mental wellbeing.

‘I am delighted Mel took such an interest and was impressed with the support we provide.’

Mr Stride added: ‘We are very fortunate to have Harcombe House here in Chudleigh, ensuring local firefighters and their dependents have access to vital physical rehabilitation and mental health support if they should need it.

‘Being a firefighter is a dangerous and stressful job and I am grateful to all the staff and volunteers at The Fire Fighters Charity for the amazing work they do.’

► For more information about The Fire Fighters Charity visit, https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk

► To make a donation, support the charity’s monthly lottery or leave the charity a gift in your will, visit, https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/donate

► If you or someone you care about could benefit from support from The Fire Fighters Charity ring, 0800 389 882