A MOUNTAIN rescue team has today moved a step closer to securing its dream of a high-tech operations base thanks to a generous building contractor.

Pat Kiernan, managing director of Kiernan Construction Ltd, acted after hearing the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue team, which has volunteers from across East Lancashire, needed a new home.

Currently based in a cramped converted stable block in Penwortham, Preston, the team has been searching for a new base for 15 years.

The team wanted to create a centre close to the Preston junction of the M6 so that it could speed up its emergency response times.

Mr Kiernan has now offered to build and design the new base at an industrial estate just off Junction 31a of the M6.

The site gives easy access to the whole of Lancashire.

Planning permission has already been given for the site and work could start as early as next year if the team and Mr Kiernan can agree on the design.

Paul Durham, team fundraising officer and a volunteer for the last 31 years, said he was delighted that the new base has taken a step closer to reality, especially as it is likely to come in the team's 25th anniversary year.

He said: "We've been operating out of this cramped stable for years and we barely have room for our equipment and four vehicles.

"But this new venue could make a massive difference.

"It could speed up our response times because it is located right next to the M6.

"We cover from the Lancashire coast in the west to the Cumbrian border in the north and can spend valuable time meeting on the wrong side of Preston before driving to the motorway.

"This could reduce our reaction times considerably."

The charity's administrative and training headquarters at Smelt Mill Cottages, Dunsop Bridge, will be retained when the new operations base is built.

So far £100,000 has been raised towards the construction of a new base, with a further £60,000 needed to see it become operational by 2005, when the team will celebrate 25 years of service.