THE Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) handed over the keys of a hovercraft to local charity, Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) today, Wednesday November 26.

As a result of the severe flooding in 2007 Severn Trent donated two hovercrafts to the GFRS. At the time this new equipment was gratefully received however the county’s water rescue has since been upgraded and there is no longer a need for them.

In the last seven years GFRS has invested in two new fire stations in the county, bringing the total number of stations in Gloucestershire to six. This extra capability has given the service extra storage for water rescue equipment, such as boats which are better suited to the emergencies the GFRS attends.

But specialist equipment, like the hovercrafts, will be of much more use to SARA. The local charity is more likely to deal with water rescue incidents on the River Severn which is when equipment like a hovercraft is much more beneficial.

Stewart Edgar, chief fire officer at GFRS, said: “The hovercrafts only come into their own in certain situations.This is why we’re so happy to donate the craft to SARA, who will benefit from it much more than us.

Sarah McArthur at Severn Trent, said: “We’re happy that the hovercraft has found a good home in the area and we’re glad to see that it will be used to help rescue people.”