Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust's (FACT) converted lightship is a floating residential centre which helps young people.

The charity upgraded the ship and installed a new sprinkler system, costing £20,750, of which Essex County Fire & Rescue Service contributed £10,375 from its 'sprinkler fund'.

Trinity is used by school, youth, church, and special needs groups, and can accommodate up to 48 guests in 16 cabins. Guests can try activities such as sailing, kayaking, powerboating, dredging, a high ropes course, climbing wall, team games and archery.

Mike Sparrow, Fire Engineer and Enforcement Officer, said: "The lightship is an innovative idea that welcomes children from lots of different backgrounds, so we're really glad we could help."

The sprinkler system is part of Trinity 3, the charity's £1.7 million project, which aims to increase accommodation, along with new toilets & showers, and a staircase linking all three levels of the lightship.

Andrew Eastham, FACT's Chief Executive, said: "The lightship is a unique, iconic facility in a beautiful location, on the Essex marshes."

"It's a place where young people can have adventures and make memories that last a lifetime."

"The sprinkler system is a really important upgrade for the lightship."

Photo: Essex County Fire & Rescue Service

Fellowships Afloat Charitable Trust bought the decommissioned lightship in 1988 after outgrowing the former Thames Barge activity centre. Roughly 2,500 people use it every year.

This week marks National Sprinkler Week. Sprinklers save lives and reduce injuries, while protecting firefighters who attend incidents, and reducing the amount of overall fire damage.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service provides grants of up to £50,000 per sprinkler installation project to successful not-for-profit applicants.

The Protection Team's Fire Engineer, Mike Sparrow, said: "Suppression systems have been proven to save lives and protect properties. It's like having a firefighter in every room 24/7. Sprinkler Week is the perfect opportunity to educate and everyone about the benefits of sprinklers."

For more information on the Service's sprinkler fund, visit the website, or follow the hashtag #ThinkSprinkler on social media.