A VOLUNTEER-run mountain and cave rescue team is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team (SMRT), which provides search and rescue services to Swaledale and Wensleydale, has grown from 12 to 40 volunteer members over the years.

It receives no direct funding from national or local government, instead relying on support from local people and organisations.

Mac Bryant, team president, said: “Very few organisations run entirely by volunteers get to celebrate 50 years of service to their communities.

“Although equipment, training, techniques and communications have changed dramatically since 1968, at the core of SMRT are the wonderful people who give up their time freely to help others.

“This has remained the case through all the years and with the continuing support of our local communities there is no reason why the team should not continue to grow and develop.”

The team moved to its current headquarters on Catterick Garrison in 1999, where it has garages, storage, training and catering facilities.

More than 90 per cent of the incidents it attends are to treat and rescue injured people in remote areas.

Each year SMRT is called to animal rescues, which are mainly the recovery of sheep from either crag ledges or from potholes. The team is also now involved in several search incidents to locate vulnerable people such as those with dementia.

Chair Duane Fletcher said: “Every member of SMRT is committed to delivering the highest possible quality service to people and animals in distress in our area.”

The Garden Rooms at Tennants in Leyburn welcomed more than 150 people to an anniversary gathering.

The event was attended by current members, a founder member and representatives of local businesses and the emergency services who work in partnership with the team. A secret auction and tombola helped raise more than £5,000 which will be used to support the team's future efforts.

Jill Armstrong, fundraising officer for SMRT, said: “The financial success of the event is a brilliant result but what was equally impressive and enjoyable was the way in which the evening brought together so many different individuals who support the work of the team.”

For more information about the SMRT, visit http://www.swaledalemrt.org.uk/about-the-team/