Cheshire Search and Rescue have equipped their team with life-saving flotation devices, thanks to a donation from Redrow Homes.

The charity, run by volunteers, is on call around the clock, and often called upon by Cheshire Police to search for vulnerable, high-risk missing individuals.

Their 48-strong team also provides valuable medical support to the North West Ambulance Service.

Redrow's donation of £1,000, was made from their Chester community fund, which is associated with the Kings Moat Garden Village development on Wrexham Road.

This money enabled the charity to purchase five flotation devices.

Fundraising lead at Cheshire Search and Rescue, Sarah Bazley, said: "We cover the whole of Cheshire and, outside of our own geographical boundaries, we regularly work alongside neighbouring Mountain and Lowland Rescue teams

"In recent years we have advanced our water-based search capability significantly and we needed to replace our old flotation devices.

"We have managed to replace 10 this time, five with Redrow’s donation plus another five that were funded by the team doing a sponsored fundraising event but we would like to buy another 20 at least to replace the remaining old ones, so we are always looking for fundraising opportunities."

Gabriella Agnello with Matt Adshead (left) and Robin Powell (right)  (Image: Redrow)

Cheshire Search and Rescue specialises in assisting people in high risk situations, such as those coping with mental health issues, dementia, or other impairments that could lead to them becoming lost.

Ms Bazley added: "The £1,000 donation from Redrow means a lot as we don’t get paid for our services and members cover their own expenses in addition to paying a monthly subscription so when we do need to buy new kit, it’s up to us to fund it."

Volunteers are trained in vital skills such as search techniques, navigation, and medical assistance, along with water-based training, communications, search planning, and search dog training.

Redrow's sales director for the North West, Anna Evans-Kerr, said: "Cheshire Search and Rescue is an invaluable asset.

"The volunteers risk their own lives to save others but with their new equipment, they will be a lot safer and can focus their efforts on rescuing those in need."

Those interested in learning more about Cheshire Search and Rescue can visit their website www.cheshire-sarteam.org.