Almost £10,500 has been awarded to a group of volunteers who help search for missing people in Kent so they can buy vital kit.

Kent Search and Rescue applied to the Department for Transport for funding so they could purchase new equipment.

In a post on their Facebook page it was confirmed they had received 90% of what had been requested to buy 20 dry suits and other associated kit.

Scroll down to watch volunteers carry out a mock rescue

The cash is part of the Government's Rescue Boat Grant Fund.

More equipment is needed by the team as they train additional volunteers who can be called on at any time to look for people who have gone missing in the county.

They are currently involved in the Safe and Dry campaign which involves patrolling the River Medway in Maidstone.

Volunteers on the patrol boat wear dry suits, warm under layers, hats and gloves as they make sure festive revellers stay safe during nights out in the town.