IT is the toy that has kept millions of people entertained for more than half a century and even inspired a hit blockbuster movie.

And now the life-saving Bay Search and Rescue team has joined in the fun by showing off its latest recruits - a selection of tiny Lego figures.

The Flookburgh-based organisation has created miniature models of themselves - complete with Hagglund all-terrain vehicles and an air-boat - and hope their new and shiny 999 crew will encourage people to learn more about its many roles.

"The Lego is fun and especially given the team's distinctive orange branding, it's visually impactive," explained member Mike Davis.

"I think it will help people to understand the huge variety of work that the team does; quicksand rescue, flood and swift-water rescue, missing person searches and support to the fire service at wildfire incidents."

The characters were created using a website which allows people to make bespoke figures.

The Danish plastic construction toy was first produced in 1949 and in 2014 was voted 'The World's Favourite Toy'.

Only last month it was also declared 'The World's Most Powerful Brand', knocking Ferrari off the top spot, so there is little surprise that the rescuers have chosen it as a medium to promote awareness of their work.

"The team has great support on social media, we've got profiles on Facebook and Twitter, and a YouTube channel, as well as sharing our pictures on Flickr, Instagram and Tumblr," added Mike.

"We're passionate about making the work of the team accessible to as many people as possible, as well as engaging with the other emergency services online too.

"As a team we're quite technically minded - we have to be with our unique all-terrain rescue vehicles - and maybe that's why the idea of using Lego seemed like such a good one."

With more characters expected to arrive in the future, you can follow their adventures at www.twitter.com/BaySARTinyTeam or at www.facebook.com/BaySARTinyTeam.