A VOLUNTEER group who help to ensure that coastal waters are safe has been boosted been a donation from an energy firm.

Coastwatch Redcar help HM Coastguard and search and rescue services in the event of an emergency in the sea from their base at the Lookout watch tower above the Zetland Lifeboat Museum on the Esplanade.

The volunteers have been able to replace its original technology with new scanning equipment thanks to a donation of almost £5,000 from the EDF Energy Renewables local community benefit fund.

Trevor Smith, chairman of Coastwatch Redcar, said: “The existing radar system has been in continuous operation since July 2009 and has recently developed mechanical problems. Without the radar, we are unable to thoroughly scan the area.

“We are delighted to receive further support from EDF Energy Renewables. Without the funding we wouldn’t be able to operate to the standard we currently are.”

The renewables development company, which owns and operates the Teesside offshore wind farm off the coast of Redcar, previously supported Coastwatch Redcar with support to refurbish its facility and has agreed to provide this additional support, given the importance of the scheme to users of the sea area off the coast of the town.

The new equipment will allow volunteers to help HM Coastguard monitor the movement of vessels and record any incidents at sea and along the seafront.

James Wilson, operations engineer for the wind farm, said: “The volunteers work around the clock to plot coastal movements and inform HM Coastguard and ourselves if there is any unusual coastal activity in the vicinity of the wind farm.”