A MOUNTAIN rescue team has been equipped with a new rescue vehicle - thanks to a generous donation from Lancashire Police.

The Land Rover Defender has been donated to Bowland Pennine Search and Rescue Team based at Smelt Mill Cottages, Trough Road, Dunsop Bridge The vheicle is being fitted with radio equipment and kitted out with medical and rope rescue equipment to support the rescue team's activities.

Police chiefs say the team is one of only three in the area that provide an invaluable service to the Constabulary especially when helping with searches for missing people.

Inspector Neil Sherry from the Lancashire Police's emergency planning team said: "The service the search and rescue teams provide is excellent and there are times when the force needs their assistance.

"The Land Rover was being decommissioned by the Constabulary so we are delighted to be able to donate this to them and given that they are a charity we are sure it will help."

As well as traditional rural rescues, the Bowland team, which has around 60 members who attend an average of 70 call outs a year, is becoming more involved in assisting the police with searching for missing people.

Bowland team leader Phil O'Brien said: "The new vehicle is a great asset for the team as it will enable to us to co-locate with other responding emergency services at the scene of searches, rescues and major incidents."

The team is made up of unpaid, highly trained personnel who are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, anywhere and in any weather, and can be called upon by any police officer.

The team comprises ex-military personnel, serving paramedics, doctors, firefighters, outdoor pursuits instructors, teahers, engineers, along with police officers and men and women from many other walks of life.