A MOUNTAIN rescue team has secured a new emergency vehicle after being awarded £50,000.

North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team, which operates throughout Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, was given the lottery grant by the People’s Millions.

The vehicle will provide search teams with a highly mobile, hi-tec command centre where searches will be planned and controlled.

Team leader Mark Silmon said: “For the first time we have a vehicle response unit that’s fit for purpose.

“It’s a fast, efficient, comprehensive and professional service for the whole community that will potentially save lives.”

Volunteers from the team are on call 24/7 and they work in co-operation with the emergency services in searches for missing persons.

Team chairman Ian Thompson said: “Although Mountain Rescue will always be about searching on foot in all weathers, at all hours, this vehicle will provide much-needed support. In the past, search planners have worked out of the back of a Land Rover or in the corner of a barn.”