UPTON branch of the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) took delivery of its new drysuits this week.

The group paid for the suits, along with helmets and lights, using £4,967 it received from the National Lottery.

The suits have special thermal undersuits to keep the wearer dry and warm in freezing flood water.

They come equipped with lights so searchers can find their colleagues in the event that one of them becomes separated from the main group.

"It's frightening how quickly the money has gone," said station chairman Dave Walker.