For those who have them, they are an important member of the family who we would do anything to protect.

Eastern Daily Press: Fire service training demonstration of using oxygen masks on pets Photo: Geoff SebireFire service training demonstration of using oxygen masks on pets Photo: Geoff Sebire (Image: Geoff Sebire)

And now pets near two fire stations are safer than ever after the county's fire service was given some special life-saving equipment.

To give our furry friends a better chance of survival, a dog training group has raised money to supply pet oxygen masks to two fire stations in Norfolk.

Earlham Fire Station and Swaffham Fire Station were presented with a mask for each engine by the Hingham and District Dog Training Club.

Every year the club donates money to a dog charity or a special cause that helps dogs. In 2017 they decided to purchase some pet oxygen masks for fire engines in Norfolk.

Eastern Daily Press: Fire service training demonstration of using oxygen masks on pets Photo: Geoff SebireFire service training demonstration of using oxygen masks on pets Photo: Geoff Sebire (Image: Geoff Sebire)

Debbie Drew, owner of the club, said: 'I'm now going to fund from the club the remainder of the money to purchase more oxygen masks so that every fire engine in Norfolk will be equipped with its own mask.'

The kits are supplied by Smokey Paws, a charity aiming to ensure that the whole of the UK fire service carry pet oxygen masks to help resuscitate family pets in the event of smoke inhalation during a fire.

Each kit costs around £90 and contain a large and a small mask, one for cats and small dogs, and one for larger dogs.

The contents includes a lead, muzzle, oxygen mask and tubing to connect to the oxygen cylinder.

Eastern Daily Press: Fire service training demonstration of using oxygen masks on pets Photo: Geoff SebireFire service training demonstration of using oxygen masks on pets Photo: Geoff Sebire (Image: Geoff Sebire)

Unlike their human friends, dogs and cats often wake very quickly once given oxygen and will often be confused, so the muzzle and lead are there for the safety of the fire fighters and the pet.

Hingham and District Dog Training Club take on any dog of any age that needs training.

Whether it is just the basic obedience for a pet dog, more advanced obedience for those that attend regularly and achieve diploma certificates, and those that have gone on to win prizes at Crufts.

For more information on the club and how to join, contact Debbie on 07771 738414.