MEMBERS of Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue have tested two new rescue craft on the River Severn at Upton.

Nineteen volunteer members tried out a jet ski and rescue raft from the Swift Water Training Centre at Bala, in Wales, earlier this month.

MISAR chairman David Walker was impressed by both said they would be useful additions to the group's fleet of six.

"The jet ski is an amazing piece of kit, you can have it down in the water and away in minutes," he said. "You could use the raft in flooded streets and it would be an ideal boat to use here in floods."

Mr Walker is not certain how much the raft would cost to buy, but said MISAR would probably have to apply for a Lottery grant to fund any purchase.

"Ideally, we would also like a jet ski, as and when we have the money," he said.