A NEW life-saving boat, equipped for rescuing disabled people is to be launched thanks to a £25,000 lottery boost.

Worcestershire-based Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue (MISAR) will buy a 5m (16ft) Norwegian-built craft that will have a drop-down front ramp for wheelchairs.

MISAR will use the boat to respond to all types of water-based emergencies in West Mercia rivers, canals and lakes and watercourses but the craft will be particularly useful for responding to situations involving disabled people, who are increasingly taking outings on boats in the area.

MISAR team manager David Walker said: "The boat is a superb piece of equipment, but the bottom line is it is going to save lives. It gives us a wonderful addition to the rescue fleet at a time when there are lots more disabled people going out on the water on breaks and holidays.

"There are a range of charity holiday boats in our area and the addition of this craft will give disabled people great peace of mind when out on the water."

The award has been given from the Big Lottery Fund's reaching communities programme. Lottery West Midlands boss John Taylor said: "The boat will improve safety for disabled people and the volunteer search and rescue staff will be delighted to be equipped to face a greater variety of challenges on the water.

"The grant is a great example of how the reaching communities programme is looking out for people most in need."

The county will also benefit from a new emergency accommodation service for homeless young people, which has been granted £80,834.

The Elgar Housing Association will set up a new Nightstop service in south Worcestershire by recruiting volunteers who will provide hundreds of young people with a meal and bed for the night in the three-year project.

*A picture of the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) in action was inadvertently used to illustrate a story about the Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue Team (MISAR) in Tuesday's Worcester News. We apologise to both organisations for the error.