THERE might be a rush to buy cars and boats after a company introduced a novel idea to help raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Flood Rescue team.

Worcester’s tools and fixings supplier, Toolstation, has negotiated with Corgi to produce a model of the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team’s vehicle and attached inflatable.

The model is a Land Rover Defender and RNLI ‘D’ Class lifeboat and is on sale at the store in Great Western Business Park, Tolladine Road, Worcester, with all profits going to the charity.

The Flood Rescue Team is the inland division of the RNLI and its highly trained crew – made up of volunteers – assist in inland waterborne emergencies.

Toolstation’s managing director, Neil Carroll, said: “While of course it is vital to raise funds for the Flood Rescue Team, my big hope is that this will also help spread awareness of their activities around the UK.

"Since Toolstation took on the privileged position of corporate sponsor for the Flood Rescue Team in 2010, my focus has been on making publicity for the charity a key part of what we bring to the partnership.

“Following a year of background work and close co-operation between colleagues from Toolstation and from the RNLI, this model is the result. It is going to be very popular and I am delighted with it.”

Robin Goodlad, RNLI flood response manager, said the charity greatly appreciated the support of Toolstation.

“Demand for our services continues to grow. Since our formation in 2000, we now have 250 trained team members divided into six teams positioned around the UK to respond to flooding.

“We are very impressed with the Corgi model and its accuracy and detail, and I am sure it will sell very well which will be of great benefit to the RNLI Flood Rescue Team.”

The model costs £5.49 and can also be ordered on freephone 0808 1007211.