A NORTH-East Search and Rescue Team has unveiled its new £30,000 Land Rover in memory of a popular former member.

The Stan's Van appeal was started by Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team, after former secretary Stan White died in February 2002.

Mr White had been a member of the team for more than 25 years and had been the main Land Rover driver .

The keys to the vehicle were handed over by the team's president, the Honourable Harry Vane, to Mr White's son, Graeme.

Graeme, the team's search-dog trainer, said the vehicle was a fitting tribute to his father.

"If he was here, he'd be over the moon," he said.

"For the first time in his life he'd be speechless - he'd be very proud. This new vehicle means a great deal to the family."

The money for the Land Rover was raised from a variety of sources. One team member ran across the Sahara Desert and raised £2,800, and other members raised £1,500 by taking part in the Great North Run.

Other contributors included the Prison Service, Northumbria Water, Northern Electric, the Sir James Knott Trust, William Leech Charity and the William Webster Charity.