A CHARITY which trains volunteers in search and rescue techniques is appealing for help to extend its work in Wyre Forest.

The Cheltenham and Kidderminster Civil Aid unit is part of a national search organisation set up to help police during hunts for missing people.

Members join in an average of five searches a year, often for older people who are missing but also for high-profile cases like the disappearance of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire, last year.

They also undergo training in first aid, search methods, map reading, tracking and communications, said members Mark Sanderson and Graham Whitehead.

Mr Sanderson, a former member of the Territorial Army, founded the group with fellow ex-soldier Steve Fox in November 2001.

They hold weekly meetings in Kidderminster and surrounding areas and also co-ordinate exercises to test the unit's call-out procedures.

They are now looking to sign up more members. Searchers need to be physically fit and able to walk long distances, support members are also needed to fulfil duties including rescue control, administration, fundraising and publicity.

The group also urgently wants to provide secure off-road parking for its ambulance and rescue control vehicles.

Any company which might be able to help is asked to contact Mr Sanderson on 07946 044592, while would-be members should telephone 01905 429694 between 6-8pm, Monday to Friday.