TWO mountain rescuers are to scale the heights - this time to raise money instead of saving lives.

Stephen Taylor and Martin Burby, from Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team, are training for the Bob Graham Round, a 74-mile traverse of 42 Lakeland fells in just 24 hours.

The trek, which is equal to nearly three marathons, starts out from Moot Hall, in Keswick, and takes in several popular peaks including Skiddaw, Helvellyn, the Langdale Pikes, Great Gable and Scafell Pike.

The pair will be following in the footsteps of the man who started it all, Bob Graham, whose record of 74 miles, ascending 28,500 feet in 1932, stood for 28 years.

Martin, 27, and Stephen, 40, both from Barrowford, are currently training hard with a handful fellow climbers, who will be on-hand to run the course alongside them in relays, navigating the path and carrying provisions. The cash raised will help pay for the team's costs. Martin, a design engineer who has recently given up smoking, and Stephen, a company director, will complete the race on Saturday, August 28, and Sunday, August 29, setting out at 10.30pm.

Stephen said: "I stopped smoking last September and piled on three stones so it's been difficult but worthwhile.

"Martin and myself have been in heavy training together, swimming 300 lengths a week and running 30 miles a week. We want do do something daft that will push us to the limit."

With an estimated £1,000 already pledged, the team hopes to raise more through sponsorship and donations. The Rossendale and Pendle MRT needs cash to maintain the service.

Plans are afoot to replace its vehicles and build a new base but, as a registered charity, the team relies on the generosity of the public and fundraising efforts.

Call-outs average around 70 per year and include moorland searches and rescues, together with a substantial number of urban search and 'difficult access' rescues.

If you would like to support Stephen and Martin on the challenge and help the team to raise funds, please contact Stephen via e-mail on stephen@pmp-ltd.co.uk or contact the Team Secretary on secretary@rpmrt.org.uk