THE voluntary lowland rescue team that operates across Worcestershire and Herefordshire will be able to keep a bit drier and warmer from now on.

Because West Midlands Search and Rescue had announced a partnership with Sealskinz, the British endurance accessories manufacturer.

WMSAR, the official lowland rescue for the area, is a dual water-rescue and land-search team that works in conjunction with West Mercia Police to provide 24/7 support for any missing-person search. The team delivers vital first aid and rescue services across a region that varies in landscape from the Shropshire Hills to the Worcestershire flood plain. As with all lowland search and rescue teams, WMSAR is completely voluntary and self-funded.

Graham Morgan, corporate sponsorship officer at WMSAR, said: "All the team at WMSAR are volunteers who pay their own expenses and buy their own kit. That makes the support that Sealskinz is giving particularly significant as it means that our rescuers can have the best equipment for the job without worrying about the cost."

Sealskinz has donated a waterproof accessory pack for all 40 members of WMSAR with a commitment to provide the same for every freshly qualified team member. It will also offer special deals for all WMSAR members and hopes to extend its association across other lowland rescue teams.

Dave Richards, head of marketing at Sealskinz, added: "Everyone concerned with the outdoors industry knows that search and rescue is a hugely important resource but not many realise the extent of the personal commitment that the team members make. We’re delighted to be able to support WMSAR and pleased that our kit will help them do their work in more safety and comfort.”