A FUN-filled summer bingo night has helped East Cornwall Search and Rescue Team tick off a vital fundraising target – ensuring every volunteer has a lifesaving climbing helmet.

Callington Lions Club raised £350 for the volunteer rescue team during its popular Summer Bingo event, providing the final funding needed to complete the team’s successful “Buy Us a Helmet” campaign.

The donation means the appeal has now officially reached its goal, with enough money raised to provide essential protective helmets for volunteers responding to emergencies across East Cornwall.

East Cornwall Search and Rescue Team said it was overwhelmed by the support.

A spokesperson said: “A massive thank you to Callington Lions. We were amazed by their generosity. This amazing support brings our ‘Buy Us a Helmet’ campaign to a successful close and we are so grateful to everyone who has donated.”

Climbing helmets are a vital part of every volunteer’s kit, protecting team members during searches on rough ground, moorland, cliffs and other challenging terrain in all weather conditions.

The charity provides an inland search and rescue service for lost, missing and injured people across East Cornwall and regularly assists with incidents further afield when requested.

Run entirely by volunteers, the team depends on fundraising and donations to purchase specialist equipment and keep its emergency response service operational.

The successful helmet appeal is another example of the strength of community support across East Cornwall, with local groups, businesses and residents all helping to reach the target.

Thanks to the generosity of Callington Lions and other supporters, the team now has the equipment needed to help keep its volunteers safe while they carry out potentially lifesaving rescues.

The team thanked everyone who contributed to the appeal, saying every donation, large or small, had helped bring the campaign to a successful finish and ensure volunteers are ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.