RESPONSIVE: Beechworth and District Community Bank customer service officer Melissa Rockliff and treasurer Lyn Clark presented the grant to Wooragee CFA captain John Ward and his crew.

A GRANT of $15,000 will see a quick attack vehicle added to Wooragee CFA fleet.

The grant was secured in a joint endeavor by Beechworth and District Community Bank and Bendigo Bank community enterprise foundation and will help the CFA to respond to fires more efficiently.

The vehicle is able to respond faster than the CFA trucks, shaving crucial minutes off the response time.

Wooragee CFA captain John Ward said the four wheel drive ute would have a ‘slip’ fitted to the back, equipped with the necessary firefighting materials.

"Sometimes the trucks can’t get there as easily and we have to take the long way," he said.

"In some cases the truck is too big for a gate."

Beechworth and District Community Bank treasurer Lyn Clark said it was ‘exciting’ for both the CFA and community bank to see the benefits of running a local community bank.

"To have the opportunity to access funds at this level for our community is very exciting," she said.

"These moments are what have motivated everyone involved in the establishment and running of our local community bank since day one."

It is anticipated the vehicle will be ready for use for the 2012/13 bushfire season.