Shropshire aid worker ready to help in Japan

A Shropshire rescue volunteer today said he had packed his bags and was ready to fly out to Japan if needed to help with the massive relief effort.

Peter Old, 51, from Bayston Hill near Shrewsbury, is part of the national charity Rapid UK which sends people experienced in disaster response across the globe to help those hit by natural disaster.

Today the Rapid UK team was on standby to be deployed to the Far East if its help was needed.

"We are on standby ready for the Japanese government request for help," said Mr Old.

But he said the team of 40 volunteers may not need to go and help because Japan has its own rescue teams.

He said other countries nearest to the disaster, including the US, Korea and New Zealand, would be called on first.

If Rapid UK is needed the Japanese government will notify the United Nation's office for the Coordination of Human Affairs which would then contact the groups of volunteers

Mr Old said his background as a paramedic drew him into the charity and his last trip out with Rapid UK was to the Haiti disaster.

Mr Old, who is married with two children in their 20s, said: "My family are very supportive about me going out."