A VOLUNTEER search and rescue team which has helped save lives in East Lancashire is struggling for cash after its busiest year on record.

Rossendale Search and Rescue, which has 40 members ranging from teachers to vets, responded to 41 call-outs during 1995, helping to recover people from isolated locations and severe weather.

But its operational budget has had to be cut because of a cash shortage, partly due to the effect of the National Lottery.

The team, which was formed in 1963, uses members' mountaineering skills and specialist training to provide 24-hour a day assistance to the emergency services covering East Lancashire and parts of Greater Manchester.

Its work in 1995 included the evacuation of 25 people from Pendle Ski Club after they were cut off by snow.

They also helped find stranded walkers and missing people as well as helping to get the sick to hospital.

But training of members is putting a strain on the group's limited finances.

And, although two doctors have now been recruited to the team, further medical training is still needed.

Chairman Paul Higgin said the team had been affected by the National Lottery, along with many other charities.

He added: "Presently there is no route for rescue teams to gain support as we do not fit into any of the categories for which funds are made available - we are neither a sport nor a medical charity.

"Certainly, the general public's belief is that we are supported by the National Lottery as our individual donations have sharply declined since its inception." Team leader David Barrington said: "The operational year 1995 has been the busiest on record, with the team and its specialist dogs dealing with 41 call-outs.

"The team members, who are from a variety of backgrounds, have responded magnificently to the demands made upon them.

The team is raising money with a series of events sponsored walks this summer. They include a hoedown at Sunnybank Liberal Club, Haslingden, on Friday, June 7, a Rossendale Way in a Day walk on Saturday, July 13, and a Pendle sponsored walk, setting off from Barley Church Hall on Sunday, October 20.

For more information on the team or sponsorship forms, write to 46 Clegg Street, Haslingden, BB4 5LW or telephone 01706 229315.

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