A MOUNTAIN rescue team has joined forces with the reigning Miss England to launch an appeal for funds to buy a vehicle that will help to save lives.

Members of Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue, based at Snainton, North Yorkshire, need £15,000 to buy the specially-adapted response vehicle, which will cost £48,000.

About £33,000 has already been secured through donations from long-term supporters and charitable trusts.

The vehicle will allow the team to reach casualties anywhere within their 2,100 square mile-area during the crucial period, known as the "golden hour", when the injured stand the best chance of survival and recovery.

It will replace one of the team's Land Rovers, which is showing signs of wear and tear.

Georgia Horsley, from Norton, North Yorkshire, helped to launch the appeal at nearby Castle Howard.

The 20-year-old, who is a keen hill-climber and walker, has pledged to support local charities during her year as Miss England.

Rescue team spokesman Pete Thompson said the new vehicle would make a huge difference to the whole community.

"We have got such a big area to cover, but the new vehicle should be faster and able to get to anywhere in the area within an hour," he said.

"It should also be more comfortable for those inside. In the current vehicle, someone can ride in the back with the casualty, but it is not very comfortable. The new one will have a front-facing seat for the person looking after the casualty."

The vehicle will be able to carry the new Larkin rescue frame used by the team. It acts as a small crane and is able to hoist heavy stretchers up any grade of slope.

The team receives an average of 30 call-outs every year, and is increasingly having to deal with rescues of injured mountain bikers and walkers, rather than searching for missing people.

It has to raise £20,000 a year just to function, so raising an extra £48,000 has proved a challenge.

Anyone who would like to make a donation is asked to Mr Thompson on 07710-129859.