Sam Bryant-Jones, Exmoor Search and Rescue medical officer (far left), receives the cheque for £5,000 from Lisa Tullett, Santander Barnstaple branch manager (third left).

Santander comes to the aid of Exmoor Search and Rescue.

EXMOOR Search and Rescue has banked a £5,000 grant from Santander.

The money, secured through the Santander Foundation’s Community Plus scheme, will help the South Molton-based volunteer rescue group to provide vital medical and first aid training, as well as equipment including a stretcher and vacuum splints.

The initiative provides grants of up to £5,000 and is open to small local UK charities and to cover salaries, equipment or materials.

Exmoor Search and Rescue chairman, Bill Allen said: “It is great news that we have been awarded this grant to assist with training and equipment necessary to help support the people in the community when needed.

All will benefit – young, old, and vulnerable – from the skills we possess and this grant helps us achieve.”

Lisa Tullett, manager at Santander’s Barnstaple branch said: “Community Plus allows our staff and customers to nominate local charities that are most in need of assistance. “We are delighted to be supporting Exmoor Search and Rescue and hope the donation makes a real difference to local people.”