West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has launched a new rescue craft which will be used to keep river-goers safe in Upton-upon-Severn. Funding for the £30,000 craft was allocated after Prime Minister David Cameron visited the town during the floods 18 months ago. He met with voluntary groups who helped out during the floods and pledged to offer further assistance to groups who were instrumental in helping the local community during the crisis. Funds were awarded to the Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue team who identified an adapted jet ski – called a Rescue Runner – which will be used to patrol the river Severn in and around Upton. Money has also been made available to help the group with training volunteers. Harriett said: “We are all enormously grateful for the efforts of voluntary groups like MISAR who have worked so hard to protect the community in times of crisis. “During his visit, the Prime Minister asked me to identify groups who had been active helping the community and he pledged to allocate funds to help them. “This pledge was carried out and it was marvelous to be asked to formally launch the new craft in Upton. “This will be an extremely useful resource to help keep the river safe throughout the year and I am told that it has already played an important role patrolling the riverbanks. “Although we have spent millions of pounds protecting homes and businesses in Upton from floods, some local communities will always be at risk so it is reassuring to know that our rescue teams are well-equipped when the rains do return.” Photos: Harriett Baldwin MP launches the River Runner in Upton-upon-Severn.