THE annus horribilis -- weatherwise -- has landed Bolton Mountain Rescue Team with a record number of call outs so far this year. The team, which is funded entirely from public contributions, has already turned out on emergency calls 52 times, with the worst part of the year to come. This is by far the team's busiest year and averages out at more than one call EVERY weekend.

The 42-strong team, which includes eight women, has also been regularly called out during the week. "Increasingly our calls are to provide assistance to the emergency services," explained Team Leader Garry Rhodes.

In the latest call out on Sunday morning, the team was called upon to provide assistance to Lancashire Ambulance Service to rescue a rider who had come off his trail motorbike at Turn Lowe on Darwen Moor.

Ian Peel, 36, was one mile away from the main highway and the 19-strong team helped to carry him to the waiting ambulance.

He was then taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with a fractured leg.

The team, which now has a fully trained search dog and a second one in training, mainly covers the moorland area to the north of Bolton and Bury.

It also provides assistance to find missing people in the Greater Manchester and South Lancashire areas.

Missing

This year it has already assisted in the search for missing people in Wigan and Rochdale.

Although the team turns out on any day of the week, it is the weekends that are always busiest.

"There are a lot more people getting out and about at the weekends," explained Gary.

"There are more out on mountain bikes and more turning to more daring sports such as hang-gliding.

"Certainly we've noticed an increase in our workload," he added.

The team which has its base at New Overdale, Bolton, costs £15,500 a year to run and maintain.

At present the youngest team member is 19 and the eldest 57. As well as four rescue vehicles it has an equipment trailer and fully equipped catering trailer.

The team trains every Wednesday evening. Anyone interested in joining the team or who would like them to give a lecture should contact them on Bolton 495884.

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