MORE than £110,000 has been awarded to fund the purchase of a new Sharpness-based lifeboat today.

Maritime minister John Hayes visited the Severn Area Rescue Association’s (SARA) Sharpness base to announce the government’s £1million fund for inshore lifeboat organisations.

Included is a £110,000 grant to the SARA to cover the majority of the cost of the planned purchase of a new boat to join its fleet.

This is the fourth round of funding under the five-year inshore and inland rescue boat grant fund, which also saw the SARA receive about £35,000 last year to help the charity buy a new launch vehicle.

Maritime minister John Hayes said: “Every day water rescue volunteers risk their safety to protect the lives of people across the UK.

“Their dedication and highly specialised skills are absolutely crucial to providing inshore and inland rescue services.

“This extra money means that the volunteers and charities can purchase the lifeboats and equipment they need.

“It means that assistance is never far away for those in need or in distress on or around our waterways.”

He was taken out onto the Severn by the crew of Sharpness Lifeboat Station as part of his visit.