Specialist members of Lancashire’s fire and rescue services have joined the relief effort in Japan.

As details of the disaster unfold, trained teams have been sent from countries worldwide.

Seven members from the region’s fire services have been sent to the stricken nation. They include Andy Hayes and Mark Noblet from Preston.

Fire service officer, Richard Edney, praised the group for their courage.

“Obviously they’re brave, because it’s a difficult situation to go into. But they’re trained for this,” he said.

“They went to the Haiti earthquake and they’re experienced in searching for people.”

They could be there for up to three weeks. The British contingent consists of 63 specially trained members.

They have been sent to north Japan near Sendai, the area worst affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

The powerful tremor measured 8.9 in magnitude, the most powerful in the country’s history.

Peter Holland, chief Lancashire fire officer, hailed the team’s professionalism.

“Our highly trained international response team has again been called upon to provide assistance,” he said.

Other members from the county include Andy Barnes, Mark Monkhouse, Graham Mossop, Jim Davison and Darren Kyle.

The British group is currently in the coastal city of Ofunta.