SEARCH and rescue specialists are hoping to find individuals willing to put their best foot forward for a worthy cause.

The Rossendale Search and Rescue Team is planning to stage two major long distance walks and both will help raise funds to support its operations.

The first is on May 19, with a 25k walk around the southern end of the Rossendale Valley.

Participants are being asked to seek sponsorship and split income equally between the Search and Rescue Team and a charity of their choice.

Then, on July 12, the annual 'Rossendale Way In a Day' challenge walk will take place covering some 46 moorland miles around the borough.

Team vice chairman, Mark Schofield said: "While the walk has been held for a number of years, 1997 will be only the second time that Rossendale Search and Rescue Team has organised the event, having rescued it from the local council amid mounting costs and declining entries.

"The 1996 walk attracted record entries together with its fair share of publicity.

"With around 60 call-outs during last year, varying from urban searches to emergency off road casualty evacuations, the strain placed on the team's funds is enormous and ongoing."

Further information about the walks is available by contacting Graham Dalley on 01706 826054 in the evenings only.

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