K9 Search and Rescue NI has opened a new headquarters on Main Street in Bangor, County Down. The base received £20,000 from National Lottery funding. An official opening ceremony took place last weekend.

North Down MP Alex Easton, deputy Mayor Vicky Moore and councillor Wesley Irvine attended the event.

The volunteer team uses specialised dogs to locate missing people in urban, rural, coastal and disaster situations. The charity formed in 2017. Volunteers and dogs train for lifesaving search skills in those settings.

The headquarters includes space for training, community engagement, education and an operations room for local and distant missions. It has a dormitory for volunteers and visitors plus an equipment store-room.

The facility serves as a shared asset for similar organisations to collaborate on training and initiatives.

Joanne Dorrian, chair of K9 Search and Rescue NI, stated the team invested all funds into the building and views it as a community base to demonstrate commitment to finding local missing people.

Paul Fieldhouse, a dog handler and search planner for the team, described the work as a worthwhile volunteer opportunity that offers a break from desk duties and chances to build friendships despite demanding situations.