A MOUNTAIN rescue team is looking for recruits.

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue team is looking for volunteers to join the team, which covers the whole of County Durham, including Cross Fell, the highest mountain in the Pennines.

The team averages 45 callouts a years. Some last only an hour or two while others cover a number of days.

However, because of work and other commitments, team members are not expected to attend every callout.

Team spokesman Steve Owers said: "The type of men and women we are looking for are keen walkers or climbers who are fit and have basic hill skills, such as being able to read a map and take bearings.

"We will give training in mountain rescue skills and casualty care during a one-year probationary period.

"Because the majority of our calls are now to non-mountain areas, we want people who would be prepared to attend the type of callout which entails cancelling a Saturday night out to search for a vulnerable teenager around the outskirts of Darlington."

Recruits would also be expected to help with fundraising events.

An open evening is being held at the team's rescue centre behind the police station in Harmire Road, Barnard Castle, on Wednesday, January 25, at 7.30pm.

For details, call (01388) 601218.