BOLTON'S Mountain Rescue Team is currently involved in a comprehensive search - to find more women members.

The busy group is recruiting new people but the majority of those coming forward are men.

Spokesman Mark Dooley said there are 43 members at present, but only five women.

He said: "For every 30 men that apply we get one female application.

"But there are times when a female rescuer is preferred to a male, especially when we are dealing with, for example, vulnerable people."

The Bolton team covers a wide area extending to Darwen, the west side of Bury and down as far as Warrington and Manchester Airport. But they are often called out as support for teams in neighbouring towns, and were typically involved in the hunt in Oldham this week for a missing youngster.

Their unique blend of skills is proving particularly popular. Last year they attended 96 incidents; this year they have already been to 43.

"We know that there are enough hill-fit females in the area who have a good knowledge of mountain skills but for some reason we never seem to generate their interest," added Mark. "But we do need more women to cover the call-outs."

Females who might be interested need to be over 18, experienced in moorland and mountain environments, and be able to attend Wednesday evening training sessions between 8pm and 10.30pm.

As for the rewards, although they are not monetary, Mark points out that they are very apparent.

"We can promise a tremendous amount of satisfaction and camaraderie, and a wide variety of training skills learned. And then there is the personal pride in being part of a highly effective and professional squad of rescuers much in demand.

Applications need to be in by April 1 for an introductory meeting on Tuesday, April 7. Write to team leader Garry Rhodes, 38 Heathfield Drive, Tyldesley, M29 8PW, or apply online on www.boltonmrt.org.uk