RORY PRAISES GOVERNMENT BOOST FOR PENRITH MOUNTAIN RESCUE

Penrith and The Border MP Rory Stewart has praised the work of a group of dedicated volunteers, who have been awarded £5,958 to boost their vital life-saving work.

The money for the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team has been made available from the Government’s inshore and inland rescue boat grant fund and is the fourth round of funding under this five year, £5 million scheme.

Charities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will use this year’s fund to purchase 14 new lifeboats and maritime equipment including life jackets, helmets, boots, ropes, knives and torches.

Penrith Mountain Rescue covers the largest area of all rescue teams in the Lake District, stretching from the Scottish Border in the north to the Northumberland border in the east, down the North Pennines to High Cup Nick above Dufton in the South, with the north-eastern fells of the Lake District (Haweswater) making up their western boundary.

Made up entirely of volunteers, the group is funded by donations and responds to call outs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Rory Stewart said: “I cannot praise the dedication and commitment of this team enough. Our beautiful landscape attracts thousands of walkers every year, and both visitors and locals can be safe in the knowledge that they can turn to the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team if they find themselves in danger. The group is manned by volunteers, who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The work is relentless, so I know this Government support will come as welcome news.”