Volunteers who search for missing people in Wiltshire have received a prestigious award from Wiltshire Police.

Chief Constable Pat Geenty gave Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR) a certificate of appreciation and praised the organisation’s volunteers.

At the presentation evening, at the Nursteed Centre in Devizes, Mr Geenty told WILSAR members: “WILSAR is highly respected by Wiltshire Police. We simply could not do the job without you.

"Some of my officers are trained to search for people the same as you but not all of them are. We trust you, we know you are professionals and this award is a heartfelt thank you from Wiltshire Constabulary. The work you do is incredibly important.

“When you are out there on a cold wet night, perhaps for the third time that month, please understand your work is appreciated, not just by the people you are searching for and their families, but by us as well.”

WILSAR was set up in 1999 and has 50 volunteers. It is a charity, receives no statutory funding and members have to pay for most of their clothing, equipment and petrol.

Members train every other Wednesday and once a month take part in a simulated training exercise to find a missing person. On average WILSAR is called out 50 times a year.

Aumber of WILSAR’s members received certificates for five or 10 years service including Sam Jago, 32, of Winsley a teacher at Rowdeford School, Andy Peaple, 42, of Melksham, Warminster’s Lawrie Humphries, 57, and Devizes duo Brian Tiernan and Adrian Smith. Miss Jago said of WILSAR: “It’s something different, you learn useful skills. It’s a good group of people and it’s a nice way to get fit.”

Mr Smith, who has been with WILSAR for over ten years and is also the training officer, said: “It’s rewarding. I got involved because I wanted to give something back to the community. I was a bit of a rogue growing up, always in trouble. The award from the Chief Constable is fantastic and shows how much the team is valued and respected by the police.”

Gail Leaman, chairman of WILSAR who lives in Devizes, said: “We are thrilled to bits to receive the award from the Chief Constable and we are very, very proud. The Chief Constable and his team are so supportive.”