THE Coastguard are searching for volunteers rescuers in Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-Super-Mare.

HM Coastguard respond to search and rescue calls around the coast of the UK and at sea and are seeking new recruits from the local community to learn the skills require to help those in need.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard said: "Volunteers come from all walks of life. Among them are doctors, fisherman, office managers, carpenters and driving instructors. Some are experienced coastal users but this is not a necessity as full training is provided."

Teams are trained in lots different rescue skills including water rescue, communications and first aid, and some may have additional skills such as cliff or mud rescues depending on local coastline.

"Teams can be called out by the Coastguard Operations Centre for a variety of reasons from searching for missing people or passing safety advice to tourists to rescuing a person trapped in mud," the spokesman added.

"Teamwork is crucial during every incident and we often work alongside the other emergency services during an emergency. Emergencies may occur at any time of the day or night."

To be eligible volunteers must aged 18 or over, be reasonably fit, have a full UK driving licence, and live or work within 20 minutes of the Rescue Station.

To find out more about the role of volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officer and find out how to apply please visit www.gov.uk/coastguard-volunteers or email: area12@mcga.gov.uk.

The deadline for applications is Sunday, June 26.