MOUNTAIN rescue volunteers are urging people to ‘dig deep’ to make their new base a reality after revealing that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of call-outs.

The Haslingden-based Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team is in desperate need of funds to pay for a new £500,000 base.

The team said that a new headquarters was much needed following nearly a 50 per cent increase in rescues in the past year.

They have been at their base in Clegg Street, Haslingden, for almost 40 years.

But they say that they have now outgrown the base.

Team Leader, Andy Simpson said: “The number of calls we are receiving has increased during the past few years from roughly between 40 and 60, to 82 last year 82.

“And this year we are on track for around 120.

“When we started out our team was much smaller.

“There were only a handful of us but now there are 46 and the current building can not accommodate that many people.”

He added: “We also need a training room, equipment storage areas and a control room, shower and changing facilities a kitchen and a car park.

“The current site only has room for two vehicles.

“We have to park the rest of our cars at the police and fire stations which isn’t ideal.

“We have needed a new base for about 10 years. Having the new base will hopefully help us save even more lives.”

The team is hoping to recoup an estimated £80,000 by selling the current base and would need to fundraise for the remainder.

Mr Simpson said: “We are in desperate need of the funds.

“It would be fantastic if people could dig deep into their pockets.

“If people don’t have money to donate but want to set up a fundraising event for us then that would be very much appreciated as well.”

The new base could be built on Rossendale Council land near the A56 and A681.