Lifesaving search team is recruiting

A SEARCH team that helped search for missing teenager Kayleigh Haywood are looking for new members

Leicestershire Search and Rescue (LeicSAR) is keen to hear from anyone who would like to join its 24/7 search team, or who can help with fundraising and administration.

The team was recently engaged in a three-day search for Robin Mills, a 63-year-old man who went missing in Fenny Drayton last month.

The group is also the chosen charity of the year for the Sainsbury’s store at The Crescent in Hinckley.

Andy Spry, vice chairman and founder of LeicSAR, said: “You could be that extra pair of eyes that makes the difference.

“It could mean life or death for that one person.”

The group is based next to the Leicestershire Police headquarters in Enderby, where counselling and advice is available for search team volunteers affected by the work.

Mr Spry added: “It’s quite intensive for people who haven’t been in that world before, but it’s noth- ing too overwhelming.

“You can also help fundraise, by starting collections or visiting businesses to collect donations.”

The group has refresher training sessions every other week, as well as an annual weekend event to practise its skills.

LeicSAR has been in operation for six years, and was hailed as ‘invaluable’ to Leicestershire Police last year, when it contributed more than 1,700 hours to the police.

During the search for Mr Mills last month, which ended tragically with the discovery of a body, members of the community in Fenny Drayton rallied around the search team providing meals and hot drinks.

Following the search, local fundraisers were held to help the LeicSAR’s invaluable work continue.

The team was also involved in the search for Kayleigh Haywood when she was reported missing and before her death became a murder investigation.

For more information, visit the Facebook page of LeicSAR or email recruitment@leicestershire-sar. org.uk.