To help support their training, the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) have received a decommissioned Metro train.

The donated carriage (number 4019) will be used to create real-life scenarios at their training facility, which will be crucial for their training.

They will practice road traffic collisions and breathing apparatus training within these real-life scenarios.

To increase the realism during training, there will be a tunnel, a concrete platform, and a fake ticket machine.

It will also be used to assist members from the Urban Search and Rescue team and allow a joint exercise capability with external blue light partners.

The train was given to TWFRS on the 16th September by Nexus, Metro’s operator.

The carriage was removed from the tracks at the Howden Depot and transferred to a low loader, and headed off to the TWFRS headquarters.

“We’re delighted to see this decommissioned Metro train going to support such important training.

“When the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service got in contact with us about acquiring one of the used carriages we had no hesitation in saying yes.

“This train will now play a vital role in supporting firefighter training across a range of different scenarios.  It will undoubtedly prove really useful for them in recreating some of the scenarios they may have to deal with one day.

“The old Metro fleet has served our region well for more than 45 years but it’s now making way for the new generation of Metro trains. We’ve already donated the very first Metro prototype to the Stephenson Museum in North Tyneside, and we now have one going to very good use at the fire and rescue service HQ in Washington. We can’t wait to see the firefighters using the old train for their training programme.”

Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus