MOUNTAIN rescue volunteers have been kitted out with new waterproof jackets and over-trousers thanks to a £4,200 grant from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Newer members of the Grassington based Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association are the first to benefit from the new clothing - with jackets sporting the words 'Mountain Rescue' on their backs.

The national park's head of access and engagement, Mark Allum, who presented the grant, said the authority was fortunate to have rescue teams based in the dales.

"These highly professional volunteers who are on call every day of the year and go to the aid of people and animals in all weather conditions make a huge contribution to keep visitors and the local communities safe. We salute them and it gives us great pleasure being able to give some financial support," he said.

Peter Huff, UWFRA chairman, said the team had always had a splendid working relationship with the national park authority and was grateful for its generous support.

"We have taken the opportunity with the new jackets to have Mountain Rescue printed on the back to ensure members are readily identifiable by other members of the emergency services at incidents."

The money has come out of the national park's Sustainable Development Fund, which aims to support individuals, businesses, community groups and voluntary organisations which contribute in some way to the park's natural beauty, wildlife, or cultural heritage. To find out more, go to the National Park Authority website at: yorkshiredales.org.uk/sdf