A RESCUE service working along the River Severn has a new boat.

The Tewkesbury branch of the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA), which covers Gloucester, has a new boat – a Jeanneau Rigiflex Newmatic, now named SARA 11.

The boat was bought using funds from street collections.

The new boat is now housed alongside SARA Tewkesbury's existing boat, SARA 6, in Tewkesbury. SARA Tewkesbury is now able to provide comprehensive safety boat cover at local events, as well as continuing to work alongside emergency services during search and rescue/recovery operations.

The new boat had her first outing on June 19 at Tewkesbury Regatta.

Sarah Kneath, SARA Tewkesbury chairman, said "Everybody from Tewkesbury SARA worked extremely hard.

"Happily no rowers needed our assistance. The only drama occurred when a pleasure cruiser became grounded as it was navigating the boating channel on the course and became grounded.

"SARA crew towed this large craft to deeper waters where they were able to continue their journey".

To find out more about SARA, visit www.sara-rescue.org.uk.