THE work of Lancashire's life-saving Mountain Rescue Teams has been praised by the county's Police and Crime Commissioner, after Lancashire police donated £1,500 to the charities.

The police works closely with the county’s teams in Rossendale and Pendle, Bowland Pennine and Bolton, and has agreed to donate £500 to each team to help with operating costs.

Clive Grunshaw said: “Lancashire’s MRTs are made up entirely of volunteers, yet the work they do is invaluable and essential.

“There are many occasions when their expertise is called upon to save lives, and they work closely with police officers in high-risk scenarios ranging from the safe evacuation of casualties to searching for high-risk missing people.

“Our MRTs rely on fundraising and donations to operate and therefore I believe it is only right the constabulary should offer them financial support.

“These donations will help with the operating costs of the three teams, and aid them in continuing their vital, life-saving work.”

The funds for the donations will be taken from the Proceeds of Crime Equalities reserve.