A VOLUNTEER group which helps trace missing people in Oxfordshire has been boosted by Lottery funding.

The Oxfordshire Lowland Search and Rescue (OxSAR) is used as the first point of call for police when a vulnerable person goes missing in the county. Yesterday it was revealed that £9,980 of Big Lottery Funding would boost the charity’s coffers.

The grant will pay for 12 individual flood access kits and a 10-man rescue raft for the unit.

Chairman Steve Butcher said the equipment would be vital when large-scale flooding affects Oxfordshire and will allow OxSAR to assist the Fire Service in searching and evacuating flooded areas.

He said: “This equipment will be vital when large-scale flooding affects Oxfordshire and will allow OxSAR to assist the fire services in searching and evacuating flooded areas.

“As well as being used in large-scale flooding, the kits can be used to search watercourses where access from the banks is not safe.

“This grant has provided a huge boost to the operational capabilities of OxSAR and will mean OxSAR can respond quickly and effectively to call-outs within Oxfordshire which involve flooding or water search.”

The charity also provides full training in search-and-rescue skills, including search, first aid, communications and navigation.