A LIFEBOAT service covering the Severn in Gwent has received over £220,000 to buy state of the art rescue equipment, it was announced today.

The Severn Area Rescue Association and the North Wales Mountain Rescue Association in Conwy were awarded £221,046 and £6,000 respectively.

The funding comes from the UK government to improve safety across Wales's waterways, coastlines and mountains Awarding the cash, Wales Office Minister Alun Cairns said: "Our search and rescue charities rely on an army of selfless volunteers who regularly put themselves in harms way in extreme weather conditions to save others. They are the unsung heroes of Wales and deserve all the support they can get.

"That is why I am delighted that the Severn Area Rescue Association and the North Wales Mountain Rescue Association have been awarded this funding in recognition of the invaluable role they play in keeping Wales safe."

The grants were part of a £750,000 fund to 20 lifeboat charities across the UK. The scheme will provide up to £1 million per annum, this year and over the next four years, for projects that provide equipment for lifesaving charities.

The Severn Area Rescue Association provides a 24/7 search-and-rescue service in the Severn Estuary and is the largest independent lifeboat service in the UK, with 12 operational boats and around 170 personnel.