EAST Lancashire's mountain rescue teams are not on the verge of quitting because of irresponsible climbers - although they have sympathy with colleagues who are.

Volunteers in the Lake District have announced that increasing call volumes - often from people ill-equipped for difficult climbs - were forcing rescuers to work longer hours, and leaving them unable to juggle rescues with their regular jobs.

But Andy Birstead, of Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue, and Andy Simpson, of the Pendle and Rossendale team, said their crews had no problems.

Mr Birstead said: "Our colleagues in the Lakes are the busiest in the country because so many people travel there for short breaks and want to make the most of them by climbing the mountains, even when conditions are bad.

"In our area we don't have that problem, and thanks to generous donations from the public we now have about 45 team members, meaning we can share the work and always get a large team out when they are needed."

The Pendle and Rossendale team is still looking for new trainees, but said there had been a good response to appeals, especially after Coronation Street character Liam Connor was rescued in a New Year storyline.

Team leader Mr Simpson said: "We do need to make the pool of people a little bit bigger, but that is because of people leaving for other reasons. The Coronation Street story has been brilliant for us and got more people involved."

Anyone interested in becoming a trainee rescuer for the Pendle and Rossendale team should call Gary Dickson on 078903 583989.