HAMPSHIRE Search and Rescue has received an award based for its contribution to healthcare during the pandemic.

A team of volunteers were given the 'Our Health Heroes Award' for its efforts supporting Covid-19 testing and vaccination across Hampshire.

The charity provides round-the-clock cover to help Hampshire-based emergency services search for vulnerable and missing people. 

The charity's Vice-Chair, Trevor Vidler, said: "I am delighted that the hard work and dedication of our team has achieved national recognition. At a time of great difficulty for us all, our wonderful army of volunteers stepped up to the plate to support vaccination efforts across the county. Not only that, they did so whilst juggling a busy schedule of call-outs to search for vulnerable and at-risk missing people."

The team was praised during a recent ceremony which took place at the Science Museum in London. 

Angela Anderson, deputy chief nurse at Solent NHS Trust, and clinical director for the Solent NHS Trust-led mass vaccination centres added: "I cannot express strongly enough how important our volunteers have been enabling us to deliver the vaccination programme. They have supported us both inside and outside of the centres in all kinds of weather, always with a smile on their faces. 

"We could not have done what we have without each and every one of our wonderful volunteers. I am so very grateful from the bottom of my heart and this win is thoroughly deserved."