SEVERN Area Rescue Association (SARA) Beachley station is pleased with the latest addition to its fleet.?The vehicle was purchased from Buxton Mountain Rescue (BMR) in Derbyshire, who were selling the vehicle after upgrading to a newer version. ?A crew from SARA Beachley drove to Buxton on Saturday 19th April to collect the vehicle, while they were on route Buxton Mountain Rescue were called out and used the vehicle for the last time. Just two hours later it was on its way to Chepstow ready to be kitted out by SARA.

The vehicle is a Ford Transit that has been converted into an Incident Support Unit (ISU). The only work which needs to be done is to have the vehicle sign written with SARA's name.?The vehicle is very versatile and will fill a gap in the SARA fleet.

Having this vehicle will allow SARA to have a mobile control room with a 4.5 metre antenna mast allowing better communications, as well as the ability to transport up to seven crew members to and from incidents and provide a place to rest during a call out. The vehicle is fitted with mains and battery power as well as tables and white boards. It also contains a hot water boiler allowing the crews to have a hot drink and warm up if out on a cold day/night providing a much needed welfare role as well.

On Thursday 23rd April the ISU was introduced to the crew at SARA Beachley with familiarisation training.?Last Sunday (26th April) it was used for the first time by SARA as a control vehicle while providing safety cover for the Offa's 'Orror half marathon organised by Chepstow Harriers.

Gwent's SARA Lifeboat and Rescue Centre at Chepstow currently has 63 crew drawn from villages and towns between Cardiff and Gloucester, with ages ranging from 17 to 90. There is always room for more people willing to join the Lifeboat and Land Rescue teams.