Drew Whitworth and companions on the summit of Kilimanjaro. Photo: Drew Whitworth

A rescue team will benefit from a grand effort by a man who climbed Africa’s highest mountain.

Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team will use the £1,000-plus raised from Drew Whitworth’s Kilimanjaro ascent to help buy a new off-road vehicle.

Mr Whitworth, from Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, was welcomed back to his home town with a pub party and fundraising day, which brought the total amount handed over to the rescuers to £1,075.

The team, based in nearby Mytholmroyd, expressed thanks to the walker and staff and customers at The Railway pub for boosting their funds.

Mr Whitworth said: “Kilimanjaro was fantastic and one of the best treks I have ever done.

“It was an incredible experience and I am glad I managed to raise some funds along the way. Many thanks to everyone who sponsored me and to those who came along the pub for the fun day.”

Simon Thresher, Calder Valley SRT’s assistant leader, said: “The team is extremely grateful and the money will be wisely used. It’s thanks to the generous support of the community that means we can continue to provide the voluntary service that we do.

“The money raised will go towards a replacement for one of our ageing Land Rover Defenders. The new vehicle will be specially modified for mountain rescue service, and will hopefully be operational by the end of 2015. It will cost in the region of £40,000 to purchase.”

The team covers the moorlands and hills of the South Pennines surrounding Hebden Bridge.

Keith Hobbs, The Railway landlord, said: “It was a great day and we had raffle prizes donated from nearly every shop, pub, restaurant in Hebden Bridge and surrounding towns.

“We always have a good turn out and it was great to see such support for a worthy cause.”

Mr Whitworth’s blog of his Kilimanjaro trip can be read online and members of the public can still contribute to his My Donate page for the team.