THE North East Wales Search and Rescue Team (NEWSAR) is celebrating the opening of its new permanent base.

North Wales Police Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom opened NEWSAR’s new home at Colomendy, Loggerheads, near Mold, on Saturday, accompanied by the RAF rescue helicopters, air ambulance and police helicopters.

The Colomendy base has been leased by the team for the next 30 years.

Team leader Iain Ashcroft said: “Having a permanent base means the team can now plan its future and have somewhere to call its own.”

NEWSAR is run by 40 volunteers, who assist those who are missing or in need of rescue in North East Wales, as well as neighbouring counties such as Cheshire and North Powys. It provides help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can be called out via the police.

“The team attends an average of 30 call-outs per year, and we take great pride in the service that we offers to local communities,” added Iain.

“We make a real contribution to saving lives.”

For further information on the work of NEWSAR, visit www.newsar.org.uk.