A disaster rescue team from Oxfordshire is seeking £200,000 to help pass on its skills to similar groups around the world.

Oxfordshire Search and Rescue (Osar) is looking for sponsorship from businesses to put its 18-month plan into action.

The Henley-based charity has been asked to return to Sri Lanka and Pakistan to train people in search and rescue techniques. This follows its work after the 2004 tsunami and last year's earthquake in the Pakistani part of Kashmir.

Set up just three years ago, the team has also been invited to the US to meet and train with the Los Angeles fire department.

Closer to home, the team's commander-in-chief Gary Foo wants to help other counties set up their own teams and establish a network of UK rescue groups.

Osar also plans to expand its work in Oxfordshire, with free advice and training for children and adults.

Mr Foo said: "We have a child-based programme in schools, which not many people know about, because we can't afford to publicise it."

The charity depends on donations from the public and has always managed to raise money as it is needed, but Mr Foo wants to get the support of large companies to provide long-term support.

He said: "To take it to the next level, we're looking for fundraising from big organisations. I know there are a lot of companies who will say they will adopt a charity and support them.

"Something like that would be perfect for us. We're doing so much good work, but can't sustain it. I don't want to stop or say 'no' to the people in Sri Lanka or Pakistan. It would be hugely disappointing if this didn't work, because we won't be able to progress.

"We would still carry on, but we would be behind, because we have got to this stage, but we can't move on. It would be like going backwards."

Anyone who is interested in supporting Osar should contact Mr Foo at gfoo@osar.org.uk or call 07967 468087.