Local MP Caroline Dinenage has today welcomed news that the Government has awarded £15,000 to Hampshire based Search and Rescue and lifeboat charities. This includes a grant of over £5,000 for the Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS).
The grant forms part of the Inshore and Inland Rescue Boat Grant Fund which has awarded £2.6 million to local groups across the country. Grants are awarded on recommendation by an expert panel of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, RNLI and the Royal Yachting Association.
Commenting on the news, Caroline said: "I welcome the announcement that Hampshire based charities are to benefit from this grant funding and I particularly welcome the news that the GAFIRS is receiving £5000. In Gosport we all know of the tremendous work the group do.
A key part of the funding is to support the purchasing of kit to keep the volunteers safe. Lifeguard groups are entirely voluntary and rely on donations so I hope this grant will be very useful for them to support their valuable work."
