York Rescue Boat has been awarded £30,600 from the Government to keep up its great work.
It was one of the largest grants in nearly £1m-worth of awards to 51 voluntary groups announced by maritime minister and Scarborough MP Robert Goodwill on Thursday (February 18).
The money is given to water rescue charities to fund new equipment and training to support their rescue efforts on and around inland and inshore waterways.
York Rescue Boat’s award is the highest given out in the North East region.
Dave Benson, chairman and director of operations, said:
This money will strengthen our flood rescue team whose volunteers have been in action helping those affected by flooding in Cumbria in early December and then of course at home here in York between Christmas and New Year.
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Pivotal role
York Rescue Boat played a pivotal role during the winter floods here and in Cumbria, rescuing nearly 100 people.
Dave added: “We would like to thank our supporters, the awarding panel and of course our families who we leave behind when we go help others.”
Mr Goodwill, who is also the flooding envoy for Yorkshire, said:
This additional funding will make a real difference to them and the communities they serve, enabling them to buy the essential equipment and training which will save more lives and keep crews safe.
Other Yorkshire awards included £5,930 for the Runswick Bay Rescue Boat, £19,450 for Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team, and £4,150 for Humber Rescue.