A RESCUE team has had to cancel its training events because of the foot and mouth crisis -- but is planning instead to travel around the world without leaving the country.

The Bowland Pennine Mountain Team is dedicating its unexpected free time to raising much needed funds.

At the weekend the team held a flag day in Chorley and is currently organising a massive 80-day fund-raising event following the example of Phileas Fogg and travelling the world in 80 days starting on April 20.

And they won't have to leave the country.

One of the first events to be organised is an assent of Mount Everest -- in a Preston leisure centre.

By tackling the climbing wall 1,000 times volunteers would have achieved the required height of 29,028 ft. A team of 10 members will climb for at least 10 hours -- a sight quicker than the 10 weeks needed to climb the real Everest.

Other ideas for events on the round-the-world theme are now being invited.

Contact 01772 663 963 or 01772 886 572 for more information.