LIFESAVERS who tackle some of Britain's toughest terrain to rescue people have launched an appeal to increase their numbers.

Scarborough and District Search and Rescue Team, based in Ryedale, needs recruits to help it carry on.

To encourage more people to join, the team will be holding an open day at its base in Barkers Lane, Snainton, near Pickering, from 10am on Sunday.

Team leader Andrew Priestley said: "The number of callouts we have had over the last 12 months has leapt dramatically over previous years and that is putting a bigger strain on the operational team.

"Ideally, we would like to attract 15 to 20 new people to join the operational side so we can continue to provide our services at their present level."

The team was formed about 40 years ago by volunteer park wardens and was set up to help police find hikers who had gone missing on the Lyke Wake Walk.

As well as operational members, the team is also looking for more associate members, who help plan and manage fundraising events for the voluntary group.

Recruits will undergo a year's tough training, which will cover navigation skills, search techniques, advanced first aid, helicopter evacuation and setting up rope systems to work on steep ground.

Mr Priestley said: "We welcome inquiries from anyone who has an interest in helping others and who is prepared to commit to the training required to perform as a member of the team."

Only days ago, the team was in training at Hartoft Rigg, on the North York Moors, practising winching and lowering casualties from an RAF Sea King helicopter.

Mr Priestley said: "The RAF rescue helicopter is an essential part of enabling us to save lives -and their professionalism and skill is a welcome part of our rescue activities."

For more information about the open day or the search and rescue team, call Mr Priestley on (01653) 699667 or (01723) 859188.