New off-road car is early Christmas present for Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team

The donation has funded a new off-road vehicle for the voluntary emergency service which provides search and rescue of injured, lost and vulnerable people in the Forest of Bowland, Ribble Valley, North and West Lancashire area.

The vehicle is capable of providing a fast and enhanced capability response to search and rescue operations.

Kev Camplin, team leader at BPMRT, said: “We cannot thank the Morrison Foundation enough for their most generous grant. Not only was our old Land Rover at the end of its life, but the new Nissan Navara gives us greater reliability and has allowed us to carry a greater load of rescue equipment and to carry up to three more people.”

“Being able to carry more of the Rescue Team to incidents is more efficient, but has turned out to be very important this Covid year, as we have been able to have more passenger spacing when travelling to rescues, rather than allowing only the driver in.

"This has been a very challenging year for us for income, and despite the two 'lock-down' periods we have seen an increase in incidents in what is going to be a record year for the volunteers of Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team.

“With the rescue team currently preparing its severe weather contingency plan with the Lancashire Resilience Forum to combat the COVID-19 disease, this new vehicle will help and serve the local community very well, so thanks to Morrisons for this very generous donation and assistance.”

Adrian Horsley, Morrisons Foundation adviser, said: “I’m so pleased that we were able to help such a trusted local charity. We know the changes in the weather can result in more frequent flooding and dangerous water situations, so we are thrilled that the new vehicle will now ensure the charity can meet the increased demands they have to help keep people.

"BPMRT is made up of a wonderful group of volunteers driven by a selfless duty to support those in need and the Morrisons Foundation is delighted to have supported their vital work.”

The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives. Since launching over £32 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland and Wales.

Local charities are encouraged to visit www.morrisonsfoundation.com to find out how to apply for a grant.