The team wants to install solar panels on the roof of its base. Photo: Coniston MRT

A busy team of rescuers is appealing to outdoor fans to help it reduce its carbon footprint.

Coniston Mountain Rescue Team has been shortlisted to receive funding in the M&S Energy Community Energy Fund, but needs your vote to help it win.

The team, which covers the fells around the village, including the Old Man of Coniston, Grizedale Forest and the area along the western shore of Windermere, wants to install solar panels on the roof of its base.

As well as helping the volunteer team reduce the amount of carbon-produced energy it uses, it hopes the planned cells will provide an income for the organisation for years to come.

It said: “The team consists of 35 fell-going volunteers and several base operators.

“Members come from a variety of backgrounds. There are engineers, builders, a doctor, teachers, police officer and local hoteliers.

“They have in common a love of the mountains and a willingness to get out of a warm bed at two o’clock on a cold wet day to rescue someone who is in difficulty.

“Each member has individual skills as a climber, navigator, medical skills or search dog handler. By working together they form an effective team to find those who are lost in the remotest areas or injured on the Lakeland fells.

“Coniston MRT has been assisting people in the southern fells for over 50 years. It is one of twelve teams in the Lake District Search and Rescue Association

“This project will provide valuable additional funds to improve equipment and training to permit the team to even greater value to the community. This project will reduce the Coniston MRT carbon footprint and demonstrate that the team is sympathetic to the global environment in addition to the local one.”

You can vote for the team’s bid by visiting the M&S Energy website.