A RESCUE organisation will use its 40th anniversary year for a fundraising push.

Swaledale mountain rescue team hopes to raise £95,000 in the next three years to replace its two specially-adapted vehicles. Members have already raised £27,000 since 2005 towards the target and say that the team's anniversary year will promote the appeal.

The organisation's converted Land Rovers are 15 years old and will eventually need to be replaced, said surface rescue leader Roger Swainston.

"They have a definite lifespan and we need to plan ahead so that, if one goes beyond reasonable repair, we don't have to find thousands of pounds overnight,"

he said.

One of the vehicles is fitted-out as an ambulance, with a fixed stretcher and space for medical and other equipment, as well as a doctor. The other is adapted to carry the team's rescue gear and volunteers.

"We have been fundraising for two years and now have over a quarter of what we will need to replace both vehicles," said Mr Swainston.

"We are looking at a five-year target to raise the full amount."

The team's 40th anniversary year coincides with the 75th birthday of Mountain Rescue England and Wales, set up after the country's first recorded formal rescue in 1933.

The national anniversary will be marked with events across the UK and the Swaledale team plans to organise local celebrations.

The Swaledale team was formed in 1968 by 12 people and now has about 30 members, who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As well as turning out to rescues in the Yorkshire Dales, the team has attended national emergencies, including the Lockerbie plane crash in 1988.

The organisation left its outdated headquarters at Marske in 1999 after building a base at Hipswell, near Catterick Garrison.

Mr Swainston urged taxpayers who donate money to sign a Gift Aid pledge, which allows the team to recoup an extra 28p for every £1 donated.

Donations can be made via the team website, www.swaledale mrt.org.uk, or to the secretary, on 01748-823383.