A GROUP of volunteers set up in Cambridgeshire to help find missing people – as well as providing help in emergencies- has been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Cambs Times: CamSAR team photoCamSAR team photo (Image: Archant)

Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue (CamSAR) was founded seven years ago.

It helps to look for missing people, whether it is children, elderly or potential suicide risks, and can attend major incidents to support the emergency services.

The Queen’s award was created to mark the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and to recognise the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups of volunteers; it has an equivalent status for voluntary groups as the MBE has for individuals.

Wayne Bent, deputy unit commander, said: “At the moment we are trying to currently recruit across Cambridgeshire as we have locations in March, Sawtry, Burwell, Papworth and Littleport.

“We felt this was an ideal opportunity to firstly say thank you to the people of Cambridgeshire and also to add some good news for all of the hard work that has been put in over the last seven years by the team.”

He said: “We are a voluntary charity offering professionally trained personnel to the emergency services predominantly for the search and rescue of missing vulnerable people - at no cost.

“As an organisation we receive no funding from government and every penny we raise comes from the people of Cambridgeshire in donations and corporate sponsorship.”

Paul Arnill, Unit Commander of CamSAR, said the Queen’s award was a “huge honour for the team and a true reflection of the dedication of our team members.

“Our members, whatever the time or weather, will drop everything to come to the aid of those people in our county in the direst situations.”

CamSAR will receive a certificate signed by The Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant at special ceremony to be arranged.

CONTACT: Web: www.camsar.org