MOUNTAIN rescuers had a busy year particularly during Storm Arwen, their annual meeting has heard.
Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team (TWSMRT) was called out 53 time during the past 12 months, making it one of its busiest years to date.
Team spokesperson Jane Ascroft said a number of the callouts came during Storm Arwen in November last year when members carried out snow-related rescues on the Friday and Saturday nights.
She added: “[They] then spent three days later in the week carrying out welfare checks in the more remote areas of Teesdale and Weardale to support the local community.
“Other callouts in the last 12 months have included locating missing walkers near Cow Green Reservoir, assisting the North East Ambulance Service with mountain bike casualties at Hamsterley Forest and assisting Durham Police search for missing people across County Durham.”
She added that the team is continuing to develop and test emergency plans at High Force, Hamsterley Forest and Swinhope Ski Centre.
Ms Ascroft said: “With increased pressure on all statutory services the team is working closely with police, fire and ambulance services so they can make best use of the Team’s resources.
“Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year providing a search and rescue service for the whole of County Durham.”
The team, which is made up of volunteers, has 38 hill team members, ten support members, five canoe team members and five search dogs.
It receives no statutory funding and is reliant on donations and fundraising to pay for its vehicles, training and equipment.
The team is recruiting for new members until December 14. Ms Ascroft said: “We are looking for competent hill walkers who live in County Durham and who have the time to attend not only call outs but also training, fundraising events and helping with equipment and vehicles.
“Team members freely give up a lot of time to train and operate to high standards in all weather conditions and difficult terrain, but the rewards of working in a team and contributing to a successful call out are huge.”
For more details visit twsmrt.org.uk.
