Brownsea Island now has its very own fire team, to act as a “first line of defence” against devastating heathland blazes.

The mixed group, made up of 14 people who either live or work on the tiny island in Poole Harbour, have been trained and equipped by Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.

The Island Fire Team has three portable pumps, protective clothing and an emergency Land Rover.

Crew manager John Powell said: “This project has resulted in a significantly faster and more robust response to incidents on Brownsea Island.”

Although the team’s main role is to counter the spread of heathland fires, they can also attend other emergency situations that may occur on the island.

The team was established by Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, the John Lewis Partnership, Dorset Wildlife Trust and the National Trust.

Brownsea Island head ranger Reuben Hawkwood said: “It is a great relief to have finally reached this agreement after years of planning, co-ordinating and hard work from DFRS along with the staff, residents and volunteers of Brownsea Island.”

Mr Hawkwood praised John Powell for his work and also Helen Brotherton and Dorothy Holmes, both deceased, whose donations helped fund the water ring main and dam.

He added: “We can all sleep better at night and welcome visitors to our nature reserve island now safer with its own dedicated fire response team and equipment.”

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Chris Thain said: “We are delighted to support this initiative to provide greater safeguard for Brownsea and grateful to all our partners, especially Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, for setting it up.”