A Cumbrian rescue team are the recipients of a brand new car.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) has received the keys to its new rescue vehicle from Colin Todd of Lakeland Land Rover.

The vehicle is the first of the New Defender 110 model to be adapted for mountain rescue and the purchase and conversion was made possible by the success of an appeal that started in July 2020 to raise £85,000.

Now in its 57th year, the MRT supports the emergency services by providing a rescue service for those in danger in the hills and valleys around Ullswater.

They are also called out by police, fire and ambulance services as well as HM coastguards to help rescues on the lake.

With incidents across the Lakes happening on a near daily basis, the team is one of the busiest emergency service groups in England.

The addition of the Defender means that the MRT now have a full set of vehicles required for operations. The team’s vehicle officer, Mike Childs, said: “We’re now back to full strength with four team vehicles and we’re looking forward to seeing the New Defender deal with the terrain around Ullswater and the demands of rescue.

"Colin and his team at Lakeland Land Rover have worked with us for many years and understand our requirements down to the fine details so the new Mobile 4 should be a great addition to our small fleet.”

Patterdale MRT’s team leader, Mike Rippon, said: “This vehicle is a brilliant example of the support that the public has given Patterdale MRT and its members in the past 18 months. We know things have been tough for many people and the generosity that has enabled us to buy and adapt this vehicle is amazing.”

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated or raised funds for us – it is really appreciated. The summer months have been busy for the team and it’s good to be back to four vehicles in time for what is looking like a busy autumn too.”