A RESCUE team forced to share ‘bedraggled’ equipment due to a lack of funding is to be given more than £20,000.

The Lancashire Telegraph is to donate the much-needed cash to Pendle and Rossendale Mountain Rescue team through its parent company's Gannett Foundation..

Since 2000, more than 500 people have been rescued by the service including crashed paragliders, injured climbers and walkers, lost children and trapped livestock.

The demands on rescue volunteers has increased in recent years, as hillwalking has increased in popularity across East Lancashire.

Andy Simpson, team leader, said: “We have taken on 12 operational trainees in the last four years and it’s been a very slow process to kit them all out because of our financial situation.

“Some of the waterproof kit that our members have been wearing is around 13 years old so its well past its sell by date.

“You can imagine how delighted we were when we heard we are going to get money to buy new kit for the team.

"It will make such a difference especially as the winter comes in, because when it’s freezing cold at 3am, you want to be warm.

“Everyone here is so thankful for the funding.”

In total, the team has been awarded £21,750 to revamp their kit.

Lancashire Telegraph editor Kevin Young said: “The Gannett Foundation has helped many East Lancashire causes over the years, every time making a huge difference to their charitable work.

“The company is very pleased to be able to back such an important organisation as the mountain rescue team who week-in, week-out helps to save lives.”

Twice a year the Gannett Foundation awards cash grants to help charitable schemes throughout the country.

Friends of St John’s Churchyard in Nelson were also awarded £4,200 to transform the overgrown churchyard.

The church group will now use the space to create an area of local heritage, contemplation and relaxation.