VOLUNTEERS at the Severn Area Rescue Association know a thing or two about the icy winter waters – so a donation from a local dance school was parrticularly appropriate.

Members of Sharon’s School of Dance – run by Sharon Stent – in Sedbury and their families joined hundreds of others for a chilly New Year’s Day dip in the Bristol Channel.

They recently presented a cheque for £350 to the Beachley station of the inshore rescue service.

The swim is organised by the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swimmers in West Wales which tops up the fund-raising of individual groups.

Sharon said:“ It has been a great effort from dancing colleagues who not only work hard on the dance floor but seem also to have adjusted well to a non-ballroom environment, coping with the elements on the day of the swim.”

Volunteer fund-raiser for SARA Charles

Phillips said: “Insurance, fuel and communications are some of the greatest expenses within our annual running costs, then general equipment maintenance.

“Additionally capital expenditure is incurred on replacement lifeboats and vehicles.

“All crew are volunteers – no paid staff exist to help coordinate, fundraise or anything else.

“This donation is really welcomed and will assist towards those running costs.

“Those involved in this specific fundraising initiative have indicated already that they are aiming to keep this activity in their diaries as an annual fundraising event in continued support of SARA’s work.

“Our sincere thanks to all of those involved in the giving of their time and support and our thanks in advance of the offer to continue that support.”