A retired firefighter from Oswaldtwistle has flown to Japan to help with the rescue operation after a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami left thousands dead.
Former crew manager Andy Barnes, of Stanhill Lane, flew out on Saturday with five other Lancashire firefighters.
They are part of a 63-strong UK International Search and Rescue team who have headed to the country's north, an area blitzed by the earthquake and resulting tsunami that destroyed scores of towns and villages.
They will join counterparts from the US and use their specialist equipment to search through the devastation for signs of life.
Andy will be based at Ofunato on the Japanese east coast, nearly two hours from the devastated Sendai.
A veteran from disasters in Haiti, Armenia, Turkey, India, Algeria and Kashmir, Andy, 53, retired from the service three years ago but still volunteers with the UK International Search and Rescue team.
He kept up the necessary training and inoculations to stay on the team and is on standby to fly out to an earthquake disaster zone anywhere at a moment's notice.
Daughter Gemma Barnes, 23, said: "The earthquake struck on Friday morning and at 8.15am on Saturday he got the call to leave and set off from Manchester airport.
"We got a text off him saying he got their safely and are now assessing the situation. They are about two hours from Sendai where the earthquake and tsunami hit.
"We are very proud that he's going over there to make a difference. It is worrying when you see what it's like on TV but they have got people over there to check for radiation and he's as safe as can be.
"I don't know how long he will be over there, I don't even think he knows. They are just taking it day by day and see how long they can search for survivors."
The team took 11 tonnes of rescue equipment, including heavy lifting and cutting equipment, which will be used to cut some of those who are trapped out of the wreckage.
Thousands remain unaccounted for in Japan amid scenes of unprecedented devastation.
Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "It does make you feel very proud when you see people like Mr Barnes who go out there helping to deal with some of the world's worst natural disasters."
