The Rescue Ramble will take place over the hills of the Holme Valley

A mountain rescue team is looking for determined walkers to step out to help it raise cash to buy its new base.

The Holme Valley team in West Yorkshire has moved into Marsden’s redundant fire station and now needs ‘a substantial amount of money’ to complete the purchase.

The volunteers, who cover the South Pennines and Peak District moorland west of Huddersfield, are urging walkers to join them for a 23-mile (37km) challenge event.

For the less adventurous, there are 16- (26km) and eight-mile (13km) routes to tackle.

A team spokesman said: “The routes will take in much of the varied geography, terrain and scenery surrounding the Holme Valley.

“We’d like to think this is a great opportunity for locals who want to support the team to explore some of the countryside right on their doorstep.

The former Marsden fire station, now home to Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team

“We’re also hoping that more seasoned walkers, both from the area and further afield, will be up for the challenge of the longer route.

“All funds raised from the event will go directly into our new headquarters fund, to help us complete the purchase of Marsden Fire Station and have our first permanent home in 48 years.

“And, if it goes well, we’d like this to become an annual event which will continue to support the team into the future.”

The routes will be along tracks and paths crossing fells and pastures. They will be way-marked and a full route description will be sent to participants before the walk.

Basic refreshments will be available at certain points along the routes, with food at the finish.

The Holme Valley volunteers said the event will also be an opportunity for the public to meet members of the team, who will be both marshalling the event and following the route, and to find out more about mountain rescue and its role in the local area.

The Rescue Ramble forms a part of the Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team’s fundraising drive to secure a new headquarters following the recent announcement of the closure of Marsden Fire Station due to cutbacks.

The Rescue Ramble may become an annual event

The team has worked with West Yorkshire Fire Service to secure a purchase agreement for the building, but needs to raise considerable funds over the next two years to complete the sale.

The team’s operational area covers about 1,000 sq km, roughly comprising the southern half of West Yorkshire.

More details of the Rescue Ramble and an application form are available on the team’s website or by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Holme Valley MRT RR, Emergency House, Manchester Road, Marsden, Huddersfield HD7 6EY.