THE families of four men who died after their car plunged into the River Usk near Newport raised funds for a rescue service to buy a new engine for one of their boats.

The four Newport men, Leighton Pring, 22, Anthony Hill, 35, Martin Biggs, 34 and Matthew Reardon, 23, died after the Volkswagen they were travelling in left Caerleon Road, near the St Julian's pub, as they returned from a pool match in Caerleon on December 16, 2001.

Yesterday the families presented the Severn Area Rescue Association, who were there on the night of the accident, with £4,000 to buy a new engine for one of their boats.

Diane Pring, mother of Leighton Pring, said: "Although they couldn't help our boy, hopefully they will help others."

Lloyd Bowden, station chairman at Chepstow, said the money had gone to buy a new engine. He said: "One boat had an engine that was proving difficult to start and failing now and again.

"The £4,000 has meant we were able to replace that with a new engine which is much more reliable, and means we don't have to worry if we are going out on a call."

The engine also has a plaque fitted to the top of it.

The plaque reads: Donated by family and friends in honour of Leighton Pring, Anthony Hill, Martin Biggs and Matthew Reardon.

Mr Bowden said: "We are over the moon with the donation.

"It is the kindness and generosity of people like this that keeps SARA going."