SEVERN Area Rescue Association has become the proud new owner of a hovercraft thanks to Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

As a result of the severe flooding in 2007 Severn Trent donated two hovercrafts to the fire service.

At the time this new equipment was gratefully received however the county’s water rescue has since been upgraded and there is no longer a need for them.

In the last seven years the service has invested in two new fire stations in the county, bringing the total number of stations in Gloucestershire to six.

This extra capability has given the service extra storage for water rescue equipment, such as boats which are better suited to the emergencies the fire service attends.

The new boats, and other water rescue equipment, mean that there is no need for the hovercrafts and subsequently they haven’t been used in seven years.

Specialist equipment, like the hovercrafts, will be of much more use to SARA.

The local charity is more likely to deal with water rescue incidents on the River Severn which is when equipment like a hovercraft is much more beneficial.

Stewart Edgar, chief fire officer at GFRS, said: “The hovercrafts only come into their own in certain situations, specifically in large expanses of coastal mud flats.

"This is why we’re so happy to donate the craft to SARA, who will benefit from it much more than us.

“Since 2007 we’ve introduced a range of water rescue resources which are much more appropriate for our county, such as more water rescue teams, shallow flood boat and inflatable sleds.”

Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We’re really keen to see someone benefit from these great pieces of specialist equipment.

"SARA is a brilliant organisation who we work with a lot and I’m confident that the crafts will make a big difference to their water rescues.”

Geoff Dawe, area commander at SARA, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this hovercraft. It’s going to be a massive help to us at Sharpness and will be an ideal tool when rescuing people from tricky to reach areas such as sandbanks.

“We think it’s great that the craft will be staying in the county and it will only help to strengthen our relationship with Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue.”

Sarah McArthur at Severn Trent, said: “We’re happy that the hovercraft has found a good home in the area and we’re glad to see that it will be used to help rescue people.”