Media centre

Tuesday 28 Jun 2005

SKYDIVERS GET A LIFT THANKS TO NETWORK RAIL

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The North West Parachute Centre is floating on air after Network Rail donated a set of high visibility jumpsuits. Visitors to the centre, which is near Grange-over-Sands, in Cumbria, will be issued with the jumpsuits before they go through their training. Ian Coucher, Network Rail Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Network Rail is committed to developing initiatives that will benefit the community and the environment. This will help the parachute centre  and avoid the needless waste of vital safety equipment.”  Over 1600 pieces of surplus kit are being donated to a diverse number of organisations nationwide, including scout groups, schools and railway heritage groups. Mike Carruthers, manager of the North West Parachute Centre, said: “We’re very grateful to Network Rail for donating the jumpsuits. They will prove invaluable to the centre.” As part of an environmental initiative, rail workers across the country have been collecting their surplus kit, including high visibility vests, jackets, body warmers, jumpsuits and coats that were no longer needed, as the company has gradually introduced its own branded equipment.  Rail staff use the equipment to remain safe and seen while at work rebuilding Britain’s railway. The reuse of this equipment is not only environmentally friendly but will provide valuable personal protective equipment (PPE) for over a hundred organisations.