MOUNTAIN and fell rescue volunteers are setting up a committee to campaign for the right to use police sirens when responding to emergency calls.

The Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue team, who cover the whole of the Ribble Valley, say people's lives are being put at risk because they cannot get to rescue sites in good time.

"People can die within two hours in freezing conditions if they are hurt on a fellside," said Andy Binstead, a member of the rescue service for 11 years.

He added: "It is very frustrating trying to reach call-outs from where we are located because of the busy traffic. So we are setting up a committee to campaign for rights to help us move through traffic at greater speed." As well as campaigning for the right to use sirens, like the 999 emergency services, the team are looking to relocate to Broughton, where there is less traffic.

But without Government funding, the rescue service relies on donations to run the £15,000-a-year operation.

Andy said: "We raise funds and rely on donations, such as the £3,000 given to us by the Mayor of Chorley last Saturday."

In total, the team have 40 rescue volunteers to call on from around Lancashire and an extra 20 trainees, administrators and members of the fund-raising team.

They use trained dogs and special equipment to carry out search and rescue operations outdoors and last year they received 70 call-outs. Andy added: "You have got to be reasonably fit and healthy and do basic things like read maps, but it doesn't have to be extreme because we're in the Lake District, where there are many mountains.

"We're people who care about people and that's why we're willing to go out in the middle of the night in pouring rain to help others. "It can be dangerous, but all volunteers go through extensive training and we work as a team. But life would be easier if we could reach victims faster."

South Ribble MP David Borrow said: "Anything that can be done to help people who give up their time to save others is something that should be immediately looked at.

"I would be more than happy to meet with the volunteers and take up their concerns with the relevant authorities."

Inspector Ian Pilling, force search coordinator at Hutton police headquarters, said: "We would fully support any change in legislation."

"Ambulance, fire and police can use blue flashing lights along with Mines Rescue and RAF Mountain Rescue." The Bowland Pennine Team can only make use of them if they are acting as an ambulance and transporting the sick or injured.

"Providing the volunteers are properly trained, they would not hinder the police in any way." The team can be contacted c/o St Mary's Health Centre, Cop Lane, Penwortham, Preston, or on 01772 863963.