A MOUNTAIN and cave rescue team covering the Three Peaks area of the Yorkshire Dales has been given a lift with the arrival of a new, specially designed stretcher.

It has been paid for with £1,900 raised through the Co-op’s local community fund.

Peter Maxwell, a member of the Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation, said: “The specialist lightweight stretcher will make a huge difference to our rescue work in the Dales."

The Co-op's Chief Membership Officer, Rufus Olins, said: “The more people shop, the more we share and we’d really like to increase the amounts that we pay out.

"So the way communities can help to achieve this is to become a member and shop with the Co-op.”