A MOUNTAIN rescue team is raising money for a new vehicle and has boosted appeal funds by handing over its old vehicle to another team.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team is raising £85,000 to buy and adapt a New Defender 110 Land Rover. The new vehicle will replace its Mobile 3 Land Rover which has done 16 years of service.

"Twelve years is usually the maximum on local terrain," said a spokesman. "But it still has plenty of life and has recently headed south to Dartmoor."

The team’s vehicle officer, Mike Childs, handed over the keys to Shona Fernyhough and Simon Rhymes of Ashburton MRT. In return, the Dartmoor team has made a much-appreciated contribution to the Patterdale appeal with £15,000 added to the total.

“We hope Mobile 3 serves them as well as it has served us,” said deputy team leader, Matt Cox.

“It was like saying farewell to a long-serving friend and leaves us with just three vehicles at present. We’re hoping to have our New Defender very soon and to see the appeal meet its £85,000 target too.”

The appeal was launched in summer and has already hit the £40,000 mark.

"In tough times, the support we’ve received has been hugely encouraging," said a spokesman. "As well as the income from the sale of Mobile 3 we have had several generous donations which have made a huge difference and the Ullswater Valley 2021 calendar is generating valuable income."

The calendar was the idea of keen photographer Mike Childs and Ann Childs, a trustee and fundraiser for the team. Supporters, team members and trustees past and present were invited to submit photographs of Ullswater scenes and, after a great response, a seasonal selection was made for each month.

The first 100 copies of the calendar sold out quickly - heading as far away as America - and more are being printed. They cost £10 and can be bought on the team's website. They are also at Catstycam Outdoor Shop and the Tourist Information Centre in Glenridding.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue is made up entirely of volunteers and relies on funding from its supporters’ club membership, fundraising, legacies and donations.

The team has been involved in 40 call-outs so far this year.

For more information and to donate, go to www.mountainrescue.org.uk.