A NEW rescue station in Cirencester was officially opened on Saturday. 

Patron Lady Bathurst opened the new SARA rescue station, based at the Cirencester Community Fire & Rescue Station.

The Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) is a registered charity CIO exclusively ‘staffed’ by volunteers who provide specialist land, water and flood search and rescue services to the emergency services and communities in Gloucestershire and other counties.

SARA Cotswolds is their latest rescue station.

Representatives from Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Cotswold District Council and Cirencester Town Council were all in attendance at the opening. 

Cirencester mayor Sabrina Dixon said: "It was great to attend the the official launch of the Severn Area Rescue Association SARA Cotswolds station.

"This charity is run entirely by volunteers and assists with the search and rescue of missing people.

"Our emergency services wouldn't function without their help."

All pictures were taken by photographer Simon Pizzey