THE Surrey Scouts event support team is the proud new owner of a former Surrey Police vehicle, thanks to a donation from county police and crime commissioner David Munro.

The van, which was previously used as an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) van by Surrey Police, has been converted to house equipment to support both Scouting and community events, such as the Ripley bonfire.

Callum Hawker, deputy manager of Surrey Scouts event support team, said: “We would like to thank the Surrey police and crime commissioner for his donation of an ex-ANPR van which we have turned into a control vehicle.

“The van, which has already been used at numerous events, has equipment which includes radio and CCTV connectivity for event control, first-aid supplies, and a welfare section for the team to base themselves at events.

“The convenience of all these things in one place makes it an ideal vehicle and control room.”

Mr Munro said: “I am very pleased to be able to donate this ex-Surrey Police vehicle to the Surrey Scouts team.

“The van will be used as a first-aid treatment area, radio communications centre, and will also be pivotal in allowing the Scouts to transport equipment around the county.”

And he added: “I have no doubt the van will be incredibly useful in helping them carry out events and activities in the local community and look forward to seeing it out and about on Surrey’s roads.”