A LIFESAVING mountain rescue service has been given a boost of £20,000 towards a new training facility.

Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue team has been awarded the cash for an extension to their Smelt Mill outdoor training centre near Dunsop Bridge in the Forest of Bowland.

The proposed improvement is a much needed two-storey addition that will include a full height indoor climbing wall, four more bedrooms, shower and toilet facilities, secure garage parking, equipment storage, maintenance areas and an all- weather training and social area.

The additional bedroom area is particularly important in allowing the centre to provide facilities for groups where dormitory accommodation is not appropriate.

Don McKay, Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty officer, said: "The proposed additional facilities will enable the centre to offer a wider range of activities."

Andy Binstead, from the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team, said: "We are really pleased the county council has given us this grant. To an organisation that has to raise almost every penny itself through fund raising and street collections, an award like this makes a huge difference."

County Councillor Mary Wilson, who represents Dunsop Bridge and is also vice-chairman of the AONB Committee, said: "Lancashire County Council is extremely pleased to be able to assist with the work of such an organisation."