A SEARCH and rescue team has been given thousands of pounds by Marks & Spencer to pay for safety equipment.

The £7,000 donation, from the chain's clothing division Per Una, will help equip the team of 15 volunteers with life jackets, suits and protective gloves, with the possibility of oxygen cylinders and masks in the future, too.

A spokesman for the charity said: "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."

The team has been operating since July last year and wants 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.

He said: "If we can help encourage these spirited members into 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 alongside them and said their aim was to "support and aid a community".