A Chepstow-based search and rescue charity has received a boost to its activities on land thanks to the Prince's Countryside Fund (PCF).

Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) has been given a new Land Rover on a year-long loan as part of the marque's partnership with the PCF.

In its second year, the Land Rover Bursary serves to award innovative projects helping to revitalise and preserve British countryside communities and rural traditions.

The successful candidates were chosen for their 'unerring community spirit and desire to make a long-term, positive difference to the community around them'.

In total five successful candidates were chosen, each receiving a year's loan of a Land Rover as part of the bursary.

The announcement was made at Eastnor Castle in Ledbury, Herefordshire, Land Rover's spiritual home where all vehicles are tested for their off-road capability.

The winners attended the event to familiarise themselves with the Freelander 2, pushing the Land Rover to the limit on some of the 43 miles of off-road track that the estate offers.

In particular, the bursary winners were taught off-road driving techniques and shown how to use the vehicle's towing technology.

During the day Tom Hartley, one of the 2013 bursary beneficiaries, gave a speech to the winners detailing the way the Freelander has helped his project, B4RN, over the past year.

The vehicle has allowed Tom to benefit over 1,000 households by installing superfast broadband in areas which traditional suppliers won't reach.

Laura Schwab, Jaguar Land Rover UK's marketing director, said: "Building on the success of the first year, where five recipients of the inaugural bursary made a tangible difference to communities across the country, we are delighted to find a further five truly worthy projects which will no doubt benefit and grow with the provision of a Freelander 2.

"Land Rover is truly synonymous with the countryside and we are looking forward to seeing the benefit that our vehicles can bring once again this year, and to seeing the development and growth of the supported projects."

Helen Aldis, Manager of The Prince's Countryside Fund, added: "In the past year, with Land Rover's support, we have witnessed first-hand the positive impact that the use of this vehicle can have not only on the lives of the beneficiaries, but the local rural communities involved.

"There are so many fantastic and worthwhile countryside initiatives that exist to support local rural communities, and it's an honour that with the support of Land Rover, The Prince's Countryside Fund is able to recognise and further award five people with dependable and reliable transport to continue their valuable work."