A MOUNTAIN rescue team has been able to buy a new vehicle thanks to a Ministry of Defence grant and various fundraising projects.

Last year Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team set out to find a suitable vehicle to replace a 20-year-old Land Rover, and a contractor to adapt it for carrying flood rescue and underground equipment, and five team members.

Team members chose a Nissan Navara for £40,000, with half coming from the MoD Community Covenant Grant Scheme and £10,000 from donations from the local community.

A further £10,000 was raised by a successful spoof video of Psy’s Gangnam Style which went viral on YouTube, produced by Steve Robinson and colleagues in 21 Engineer Regiment who were in Afghanistan.

SMRT president Mac Bryant said: “Members of SMRT have been giving generously of their time, skills and commitment to our local communities for more than 40 years.

“Although the new vehicle is an essential tool for the team its arrival is like a well-deserved early Christmas present and will be put to good use for many years to come.”