VOLUNTEERS who offer a lifesaving service to find missing people are looking for new recruits.

The Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team can be called out to anywhere in County Durham and parts of the High Pennines, including Cross Fell, the highest mountain in the Pennine range.

The team is called out about 30 times a year, although no-one is expected to respond every time. Some searches last hours, others can cover a number of days.

Steve Owers, spokesman for the team, said: "The type of people were are looking for are keen walkers or climbers who are reasonably fit and have basic skills such as being able to read a map and take bearings.

"Also, because we are a charity and have to raise all of the funds needed to run the team ourselves, we would expect new members to take part in fundraising events such as street collections and sponsored events."

An open evening for anyone interested in joining the team will be held at the Teams Rescue Centre, behind Barnard Castle police station, in Harmire Road, next Wednesday, at 7.30pm.

For more information telephone (01833) 630999.