Alness-based Emergency Community Rescue in search for support getting wheels to expand voluntary work

A VOLUNTARY community service offering emergency services a helping hand has issued an appeal for fundraising help to purchase a new vehicle.

Emergency Community Rescue, based in Alness, covers a huge area in the north.

Volunteer run, the group act as first responders to 999 calls as ambulances can take some time to reach some of the more remote areas covered, depending on service demand.

The service also helps to provide hospital blood runs, searches for missing people and monitors the streets at night in case people need assistance.

However, with changeable weather, the group is looking to buy a new vehicle to help continue the important work.

Seafield Motors have offered the group the chance to purchase an L200. It will cost £14,000 and the charity is asking the public for donations to help cover the cost.

Emergency Community Rescue was initially set up as Alness First Reponders three years ago by Michael O’Neill. The service has now expanded and the team of 10 has had various training to equip them with the skills needed for the work.

Volunteers mainly cover the Ross-shire area but say they are prepared to go anywhere they are needed.

They have also recently gained access to highly trained search dogs to aid their effort.

To find out more or to donate, head to https://www.alnessfirstresponders.co.uk/supportus.

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