Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue (SuLSAR) has taken ownership of a new water rescue vehicle, thanks to a donation from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.

Although Holbrook Coastguard carry out many searches, and rescue or recovery along the banks of the Shotley peninsula, SuLSAR plays a key role across the whole county, including the rivers Orwell and Stour.

This is the second time the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has been able to donate a vehicle, the first was a Command and Control van donated back in 2016. The keys to the water rescue van were handed over today at a small event between the two organisations.

20 dry suits were also provided, which will be used by (SuLSAR) Flood First Response team members when searching the banks of water courses for missing vulnerable persons.

During 2016, the link between SFRS & SuLSAR was strengthened by the water rescue teams undertaking quarterly joint training exercises at various locations in Suffolk.

This collaboration was formalised when a Memorandum of understanding was signed between the two organisations, which was when the donation of the Command and Control vehicle was made by SFRS to SuLSAR.

Dan Fearn, Interim Chief Fire Officer for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "I'm pleased that once again Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has been able show it's support to SuLSAR. Working closely with the organisation and ensuring collaborative working arrangements is crucial to how the fire service responds to certain emergency situations.

"By donating a second vehicle and the dry suits, we can support SuLSAR to continue with the vital work they do in assisting the emergency services in local responses."

Andy King, Chair of SuLSAR, said: "Once again we greatly thank Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service for their support of the team and their generous donations of the van and dry suits.

"With an ever-expanding team, financing new equipment is always very difficult, their donation ensures that our water teams can continue to assist SFRS for the foreseeable future. The joint training and working together further cements what is already a strong team bond."

SFRS has taken on a higher specification dry suit which made their existing suits redundant. The suits donated to SuLSAR still meet the standards required for the work carried out by the organisation.

The van donated had reached the end of its operational life in the fire service and was due to be removed from the SFRS fleet. This provided the opportunity to support a voluntary sector partner organisation in a way which would continue to support our communities.