SEARCH and rescue operations in the Yorkshire Dales have been helped by the Gannett Foundation.

The charitable trust of the Darlington & Stockton Times' parent company has given £3,500 to Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team. The money has been used to buy a robust laptop computer and GPS communication equipment.

The kit will enable team members to produce accurate maps in the field to assist in search and rescue missions.

The money was presented to the team by the editor of the D&S Times, Malcolm Warne. He said: "Those who love the Dales know how important the work of the team is. Despite being part of the emergency services, mountain rescue teams receive no financial assistance from the state."

Mark Deere, vice-chairman of the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team, expressed the team's thanks for the donation. He said the equipment would greatly assist the team's work in difficult conditions.

The Gannett Foundation was established by Gannett to assist good causes in the areas where its newspapers are distributed. Information about obtaining grants from the foundation can be obtained from the D&S Times.