A MOUNTAIN rescue team has launched a bid to raise £2,000 to help keep it going.

Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team, which needs to raise £42,000 each year, has seen a drop in traditional fundraising because of the pandemic.

A number of local organisations have provided a range of grants to support the team this year but they still need to raise more to cover an expected shortfall.

The charity, which has been on standby during lockdown, has set an initial target of £2,000, though they anticipate to have a shortfall of about £15,000.

A spokesperson said: "The team had been relatively quiet in terms of call-outs during the initial lockdown period.

"However, they have recently started to experience an increase in call-outs having been called out four times in one week."

" During the lockdown they have also been on standby to support the Local Resilience Forums and local councils and have been offering support to local organisations to deliver food, medicines and other supplies."

People can donate by visiting www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/keep-cleveland-mountain-rescue-running-during-covid-19