A RESCUE team that searches on land for vulnerable missing people has acquired a rescue vehicle after being awarded more than £19,000.

Môn Search and Rescue (MonSAR), which covers low-lying areas of land on Anglesey, had previously had to carry out its operations on foot which put strain on volunteers, who use heavy equipment and cover vast areas on the island.

The group was set up in 2015 as the first lowland search and rescue team in Wales and undertakes searches in areas up to 600 metres above sea level.

These operations were previously carried out by neighbouring Mountain Rescue Teams and North Wales Police and the group has helped to take pressure off them.

MonSAR, a registered charity, received £19,200 by the People’s Postcode Lottery which enabled volunteers to buy and decorate a second hand 4x4 and rapid water rescue equipment for rivers and lakes, which cost £1,000 each.

Ingrid Power, search technician, said: “The donation was absolutely needed as we have previously needed to walk to get to a casualty. We are often out looking for missing people and help to cross off areas that police might otherwise spend a lot of time trying to cover.

“The car will let us cover more distance, drive to casualties and take our equipment, which is very heavy. It will also help to put us out there and let people know who we are.”

MonSAR can also assists ambulance responses over rough ground, such as assessing injured walkers and if required using a stretcher to carry them to safety.

A recent call involved an elderly couple who became disorientated while waking in Newborough Forest before getting caught in knee-high water areas.

Its volunteers are highly trained in search techniques adapted to the category of missing people including those who are despondent, living with dementia or autism or living with mental health issues.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Môn Search and Rescue is a fantastic group of highly-trained volunteers who are dedicated to supporting the community in Anglesey when someone goes missing.

“I’m delighted support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery will enable Môn Search and Rescue to respond as quickly as possible so they are able to find missing people faster and help save lives.”

Find out more about MonSAR by visiting www.m-sar.uk