A MEMBER of the Lancashire Mountain Rescue Team called out to assist with the Morecambe Bay tragedy has spoken of the ordeal.

Andy Binstead, from Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team, was called out to assist police and coastguard crews on Thursday night.

More than 30 rescuers, together with four search dogs, spent nearly nine hours trawling the sands at Morecambe Bay searching for survivors.

Andy said: "We heard when we arrived that bodies were being found quite close together and about half a mile from the road.

"We lined up about 10 metres apart and walked across the sands in lines.

"We didn't find any bodies and I am pleased about that.

"It was quite upsetting knowing that so many people had died within such a close proximity of where we were.

"The mood of the team is usually fairly jovial, but they were very subdued when it became apparent what was happening."

Blackburn with Darwen Mayor Councillor Mike Barret, sent a card of condolence to Morecambe yesterday.

He said the council had close links with the region: "I was deeply shocked when I heard the news and remain so.

"There are reports that these young people were being exploited and sent out in dangerous conditions in the dead of night. If that was the case it is absolutely shameful "We work closely with every local authority in Lancashire so I decided to send a card to the Mayor and Mayoress of Morecambe, councillor John Gilbert and his wife Pamela."

Lancashire Police have set up a witness appeal line for anyone who may have seen the events around Morecambe Bay on Thursday night. The number is 01524 63333.

Any member of the public who is concerned that a friend or relative may have been involved can ring 0870 9020999.