Cheque to help rescue boat launch

A new slipway and lifeboat launch facility will be built at Sharpness in Gloucestershire allowing rescue boats to be launched quicker.

At present the Severn Area Rescue Service (Sara) has to winch the boats into the water using an old crane.

A cheque for £85,000 from Masonic charity - the Mark Fund of Benevolence, is due to be handed over at a ceremony.

A spokesman said the donation recognised the "invaluable work" Sara did during the summer floods in 2007.

'Rescue service'

Sara provides inshore rescue boat and land search for the Severn Estuary and upper reaches of the River Severn.

The service helped rescue more than 200 people and 50 animals during last year's summer floods in Gloucestershire.

It operates from three stations located at Beachley, near Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Sharpness in Gloucestershire and Wyre Forest.

It is a designated rescue service for the Severn area and is usually called out via HM Coastguard, police or the fire service.