Barratt Homes Bristol has donated £1,500 to Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue Service (ASSAR).

The charitable donation will help ASSAR to secure a new Ford Ranger rescue vehicle, stationed at Cheddar Gorge.

It will enhance the team's ability to respond swiftly in emergencies and navigate the challenging terrains around the Mendip Hills.

ASSAR has been in operation for almost 50 years, covering Avon, Somerset and surrounding vicinities.

The rescue service relies heavily on the commendable work of its 80 volunteers, which include 60 on-call emergency responders and is funded solely through charitable donations.

The £1,500 contribution from Barratt Homes Bristol will, therefore, be vital in assisting the team to acquire the new rescue vehicle.

The vehicle will replace the team’s old Land Rover which, despite years of diligent service, has become increasingly costly to maintain.

Sales director for Barrat Homes Bristol, Andrea Pilgrim, said: "We're incredibly proud to be able to support Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue in their essential life-saving efforts.

"As a local homebuilder, we view it as our duty to support their mission.

"This contribution symbolises our gratitude for their invaluable service."

Weston Mercury: It will help ASSAR to secure a new Ford Ranger rescue vehicle, stationed at Cheddar Gorge

ASSAR team leader, Jim Hardcastle, said: "We would like to thank Barratt Homes Bristol for their generous donation.

"This funding will enhance our capacity to promptly respond to emergencies by giving us funding that will go directly towards a new rescue vehicle."

ASSAR's crucial services cover a myriad of emergency responses, including cliff and steep ground rescue, recovery and access, rescue from heights, land and Swiftwater rescue and water margin search.

They notably assist a quarter of rescued individuals suffering from dementia, indicating the evolving nature of their work in response to the UK's aging population.

An upcoming 'Call Out Evening' event in April at Alpkit Bristol will offer insights into the workings of ASSAR and their use of technology in searches for missing people.

Barratt Homes Bristol remains committed to the community, supporting organisations such as ASSAR that significantly impact the lives of the local residents.