The children at Sunnybank Day Nursery had a visit from the Severn Area Rescue Association last Wednesday.

SARA members (Lloyd and Kate) brought along SARA 3 and the children were allowed to play in the boat. They also had a chance to try on the helmets, and see the emergency equipment that is used. They were also allowed to sit in Mobile 1 (the Landrover Discovery) that is used for towing the rescue boats.

SARA is an inshore rescue boat and land search organisation covering the Severn Estuary and upper reaches of the River Severn - it is the largest independent lifeboat service in the UK, with eight operational boats and approximately 150 personnel.

The charity is currently trying to raise £300,000 to develop its premises at Chepstow and prove secure shelters for three lifeboats close to the Beachley slipway.

The aim is to build a new operations control room and dedicated training room and to be able to provide an even quicker response to emergencies

Donations can be sent to The Lifeboat Station, Beachley, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 7HH. Cheques should be made payable to SARA Build Account.