Dorset Search and Rescue is calling on the public’s support as it stops all training and fundraising activities.

The group will continue to support Dorset Police with missing people, but not going to fundraising events will have a negative impact on its finances.

A spokesman for Dorset Search and Rescue said: “No one is unaffected by the ongoing Covid-19 situation. We at Dorset Search and Rescue are no different.

“As a team, we have decided to suspend all of our training and fundraising activities for the time being. Of course, we hope that we can restart these at the earliest possible time but public health must come first.

“We are still business as usual when it comes to assisting Dorset Police with missing people in the county of Dorset.

“Whilst in the short term, suspension of training will not have a huge impact on our operational ability, the halting of fundraising activities and cancellation of the various shows we were attending will begin to take an effect on our finances. We’re taking every possible step to minimise the impact this will have but at the same time we’re putting out a request. If there are any members of the Dorset community who are in a position to continue supporting us through this challenging time, we would be extremely grateful.”

Donations can be made at dorsar.org.uk/donations