Leeds may be landlocked, but a new initiative could help flood rescue crews keep the city safe next time it’s submerged.
The RNLI will be the beneficiaries from sales of a model rescue vehicle, with all the money raised going to the lifeboat charity’s inland division.
The flood rescue team is made up from volunteers who assist in natural disasters, such as the flooding that Leeds experienced last month.
Thousands of people across Yorkshire were affected by the worst September storms in 30 years, with 400 homes and businesses flooded.
RNLI volunteers joined flood rescue efforts by using an inflatable dingy to evacuate people from their homes and transporting gas engineers to check suspected leaks.
The model, which consists of a Land Rover Defender vehicle and a D class lifeboat, will be sold at Toolstation stores in Leeds, Harrogate and York.
Robin Goodlad is the RNLI flood response manager and said the charity greatly appreciated the initiative.
He said: “Demand for our services continues to grow. Since our formation in 2000, we now have 250 trained team members divided into six teams positioned around the UK to respond to flooding.
“We are very impressed with the Corgi model and its accuracy and detail, and I am sure it will sell very well indeed which will be of great benefit to the RNLI flood rescue team.”
The emergency crews being increasingly used to assist in floods across the country and provided help during the floods in South Yorkshire in 2007, Morpeth in 2008 and Stockton-on-Tees earlier this year.
RNLI crews are strategically positioned around the UK so they can respond to any flood within six hours.
The organisation receives no government funding, but rescues 22 people a day on average.
Annual running costs for the D class lifeboat are £39,000.
In July this year, Enid Gott from Wetherby handed over £2,000 to the RNLI that had been raised through the Wike Ridge golf club in Shadwell.
The model comes in a presentation box and is on sale for £5.49. It can be ordered by ringing 0808 100 721.
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