Slow start to river rescue appeal

The boat would operate between Yarm and the mouth of the river

A volunteer rescue group is vowing to press ahead with plans to buy a specialist boat, despite raising only £250 since it was set up two years ago.

The River Tees Patrol and Rescue Group aims to provide a fast response to emergencies between Yarm and Teesmouth with a permanently manned patrol boat.

It is working to raise £50,000 to buy and maintain a rigid inflatable boat.

As well as fund-raising, volunteers are being sought for roles ranging from boat crew to general administration.

The boat would assist with rescues and also patrol the river checking for illegal activity, dangerous behaviour or vandalism.

We are a group of people who are passionate about the community and the River Tees Simon Ryland River Tees Patrol and Rescue Group

Since the building of the Tees barrage, there has been an increased use of recreational activity on the river.

Emergencies on the river are currently dealt with by Cleveland Fire Brigade but crews are not permanently based on the water.

Simon Ryland, from the River Tees Patrol and Rescue Group, said: "There have been incidents where people have fallen in and a policeman has had to jump in after them - not police divers, but the local bobby on the beat, and that is dangerous for both parties.

"We are a group of people who are passionate about the community and passionate about the River Tees.

"At the moment we are concentrating on recruiting people and fund-raising.

"Even if you are not able to jump in the boat with us, there is still something for everybody to get involved with."