CHESHIRE Search and Rescue were winners in the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner election when bookmaker William Hill paid out £200 on a charity bet.

Bookmaker William Hill accepted a £50 bet which Independent candidate Sarah Flannery placed on herself to win the election – and promptly offered to match it with a free charity bet for Sarah’s nominated charity, Cheshire Search and Rescue.

Although Sarah came third in the election, the bookmaker decided to refund her £50 stake, double it, and double it again and donate it to Cheshire Search and Rescue.

“Thanks to William Hill my nominated charity Cheshire Search and Rescue were winners,” said Sarah.

“During my PCC campaign I spent a day training with the team at Sandiway Forest Camp while they were running their search technicians course. Their level of training, professionalism and desire to provide the best possible volunteer service was inspiring.

“Cheshire Search and Rescue is a fantastic charity run by a highly-skilled, professional and dedicated group of volunteers,” said Sarah.

“It costs around £35 a day just to keep the team ticking over. If new or replacement equipment is needed it has to be bought with money raised by the team.”

Cheshire Search and Rescue works with Cheshire Police and other emergency services to undertake specialist searches or major incident support across the county. Members are also skilled at crime scene protection and casualty evacuation.