SEARCH-and-rescue volunteers from Petersfield and Liphook, who have been testing lorry drivers heading for France for coronavirus, are now going to help the vaccination roll-out.

More than 50 Hampshire Search and Rescue (HANTSAR) members ran the testing programme at Portsmouth International Ferry Port from Boxing Day to January 1.

Drivers weren’t allowed to board the ferries for France unless they tested negative for the virus.

HANTSAR vice-chairman Terry Vidler said: “Working ten-hour shifts, our members, including those from Petersfield and the Liphook area, ran the testing station at the port, covering 17 sailings and testing about 1,250 drivers.

“Their last shift on New Year’s Day was 14 hours, but we have now stepped down and the Red Cross has taken over the testing.”

Volunteers with the charity are trained in search-and-rescue techniques, and usually help police look for missing persons.

Terry added: “We were asked on Christmas Eve if we could provide assistance at the port lasting to New Year’s Eve, and 50 members agreed to help.

“Their availability was collated, teams were allocated, they were issued with PPE that they had to wear at all times, and tasked to cover the various sailings. Their roles included helping drivers complete their registration cards, taking swabs and testing the swabs.

“Most of the drivers were foreign nationals, so a lot of sign language was involved, but it all worked out okay.”

The volunteers are now preparing to help with the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccination programme.

Terry said: “They have been training and are now ready to help with the roll-out.”