A CASH-STRAPPED search and rescue team has launched a fundraising drive to buy a new Land-Rover.

Last year's foot-and-mouth outbreak reduced the number of visitors to the countryside and led to the cancellation of a number of fundraising events for the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team.

Donations, together with takings from collections boxes, dropped to £5,270 but running costs remained the same at £8,790.

Team members are volunteers and usually meet travel and personal equipment costs from their own pockets.

Spokesman Steve Owers said: "The big thing we need to do now is to replace our Land-Rover. It's just about on its last legs."

The team has been involved in a number of high-profile operations in recent weeks. A costly operation for a 71-year-old hiker ended when he was found in a bed and breakfast in Middleton-in-Teesdale, unaware at the extent of the search.

Mr Owers said that more than half of all searches are now carried out in urban areas for missing people, rather than in the fells or countryside.

Anyone wanting to help with fundraising can contact the team on (01833) 630999.