CAVE rescuers who put their lives on the line to save others are now better equipped thanks to a £7,500 grant.

The Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) operates in the ‘Three Peaks’ and Malhamdale area of the Yorkshire Dales and has received the money from the National Park Authority's Sustainable Development Fund (SDF).

It has been put towards the costs of putting a new base station repeater network in place, with the charity securing other funds to pay for new radio handsets and associated communications kit for the 60-strong volunteer team.

CRO spokesperson Jonty Rhodes said the charity was incredibly grateful for the grant, adding: "The contribution has gone directly into equipment that will both keep CRO team members safe whilst out in the field and enable us to work more efficiently towards helping us save lives above and below ground in the Yorkshire Dales.’’

The Northern Echo:

Caves can be dangerous places to explore Picture: Pixabay.com

Chris Clark, of the National Park Authority, said: “The Cave Rescue Organisation offers a vital service and we are delighted to be able to support it.

"The volunteers receive around 70 callouts a year – some of them complex operations – and it’s important that they can rely on complete communications coverage across the area they work in.”

The SDF has a budget of £175,000 for 2019/20 and it is open to any individual, business, community group or voluntary sector body.