Living in Dorset, with its diverse landscape, rugged coastal areas and many rivers, means volunteer organisations such as Dorset Search & Rescue (DorSAR) have become vital assets to our local communities. That’s why I welcomed the news, in an announcement made by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, that West Dorset is set to receive a share of £1m grant funding towards equipment for its essential search and rescue services.

I’m sure I speak for all of us here in West Dorset, and the county as a whole, in terms of our gratitude for the work that DorSAR does. Called into action via Dorset Police and able to deploy anywhere in the county within 90 minutes, it is reassuring to know that highly skilled volunteers are there for us all in the most challenging of emergency situations; including rescuing people stranded by floodwaters, helping locate high risk missing persons and assisting in search and rescue operations - often in remote rural locations.

Since launching in 2014, the Rescue Grant Boat Fund has provided £5.7 million to 104 charities around the UK. Fifty charities, and I’m pleased to say including three from Dorset, are benefiting from the latest round of grant funding, with DorSAR receiving £29k, neighbouring Wessex Flood Rescue£10k and Bournemouth Lifeguard Corps £22k.

Also, I would like to also keep you updated on progress regarding our campaign to keep the Number 6 bus service running. Thank you to all of you who use the Bridport, Beaminster and Crewkerne route and who completed my online survey - the analysis of your views was invaluable during recent meetings with First Group and Dorset Council. I remain hopeful that a solution can be found and will keep working hard on our behalf to achieve this