TRIBUTES have been paid to the volunteers and supporters who keep the Swaledale Fell Rescue Organisation (SFRO) operating, as the charity-run unit finally opened new headquarters.

A £425,698 grant from the National Lottery's Community Fund paid for the purpose-built base at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire - and fund chairman, Lady Diana Britton, was among the guests on Saturday.

But the honour of opening the building officially fell to Richmond MP and outgoing Tory party leader William Hague, watched by wife Ffion, Mr Hagues predecessor, Lord Britton, Lord Zetland and other civic dignitaries, including Mayor of Richmond, Coun Tom Burrows.

But it was also an opportunity for the organisation to thank others who have contributed towards annual running costs of around £10,000 - still just as vital today as when the team was based in rented premises in Marske, near Richmond.

''Without our supporters, there would be no rescue unit and therefore no new headquarters,'' said its secretary, Mac Bryant. ''However, it is important we maintain the good work as, with few agricultural shows going ahead this year, one of our main sources of income has been denied to us and, if funds dry up, we could be facing a crisis in 12 months' time.''

The SFRO is on standby 24-hours a day, seven days a week, ready to help walkers and climbers who get into difficulty across the Yorkshire Dales, in searches and in rescues of man or beast.

All the members of the team are unpaid volunteers and the unit receives no public funding whatsoever.

Current SFRO chairman, Pete Bridgstock, said: ''Our new headquarters is superb and will go a long way to securing the future of the SFRO.

''We pride ourselves on being a voluntary organisation with a professional approach and look forward to the next 30 years of service to the community.''

The Lottery grant, confirmed in 1999, has covered the cost of buying the land on Hipswell Road West and the construction of the new headquarters, which also includes meeting rooms available for use by the public.

More information about the organisation can be found on its website at www.sfro@freeserve.co.uk

Donations can be sent to The Swaledale Fell Rescue Organisation, c/o 27 West Road, Melsonby, North Yorkshire DL10