A vital search and rescue charity has secured government funding towards new rescue equipment. 

Dorset Search and Rescue (DorSAR) is set to receive £2,161.90 from the government’s inshore and inland rescue boat grant fund. 

£1million has been spread amongst 62 organisations across the UK, and is the fourth round of funding to be handed out as part of the five-year £5million scheme. 

Charities will use the funding to buy new maritime equipment including lifejackets, helmets and boots, as well as new lifeboats. 

Tom Bryant, PR officer for DorSAR said: “We are thrilled about the grant. 

“It will be used to buy vital lifesaving equipment for the water search team. We would like to thank Dorset Police and everybody else who supported us in the grant.

“The charity relies on grants and other fundraising to keep operational.”

Since its launch in 2014, the grant has provided water rescue services up and down the UK with funding for new boats, vehicles and equipment, with bids considered by an expert panel.

It is chaired by the Department for Transport and made up of representatives from DfT, DEFRA, devolved administrations, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, RNLI and the Royal Yachting Association.

Sir Alan Massey, chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: “These smaller, independent charities are the lifeblood of our communities, playing a vital role in supporting the daily lives of thousands of people across the UK. 

“We often need to remind ourselves that these brave women and men may be called at any time of the day or night to assist persons in difficulty. Those persons may be lost or injured, in trouble at sea, or needing to be rescued from fast-flowing water or floods. 

“It’s essential that funding like this is available to independent lifeboats so that they have the proper emergency equipment to aid in rescues. This funding will help meet their goals and ease their financial burden.”

To find out more about DorSAR or to donate, visit www.dorsar.org.uk or search for the team on Facebook.