A SEARCH and rescue team has received thousands of pounds from a national retailer to help pay for safety equipment.

West Midlands Search and Rescue has been given just under £7,000 by Marks & Spencer clothing division Per Una. The money will help equip the team of 15 volunteers with life jackets, suits, protective gloves and hopefully in the future oxygen cylinders and masks.

"This will make a significant difference in the community, since every member will be qualified and equipped to help maintain a casualty's vital requirements for up to 20 minutes until further emergency assistance arrives," said a spokesman for the charity.

The team has been operating since July last year and want to get communities involved in self help.

Rick Bailey, communications officer for the charity, said during the summer floods the team regularly saw people trying to help others with no safety equipment putting themselves at risk.

"If we can help encourage these spirited members in to recognising the risks and working together for the safety of all by the provision of locally organised meetings, we believe that we will have a more profound impact."

Mr Bailey is keen to stress the charity is not replacing the emergency services but working along side them and said their aim was to "support and aid a community".