Members of the Clapham, North Yorkshire-based Cave Rescue Organisation join in the York flood operation. Photo: CRO

Cavers in the South-West have organised an appeal for cave rescuers who helped in the recent floods in the North of England.

Mendip Cave Rescue is co-ordinating the appeal for donations to a special fund set up to help other cavers who volunteered during the devastating floods that affected towns and villages in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and the Scottish Borders.

A spokesperson for the organisation, the second-oldest cave rescue group in the UK, said: “We do know that cavers have answered the call volunteering to help with the rescue effort.

“Over the years we have enjoyed the hospitality of fellow cavers, as well as access from landowners to the many caves ‘up north’. So come on, dig deep and let’s raise much needed funds to support the volunteers with such things as necessary equipment and clothing.”

The spokesperson added that £10 would buy a pair of wellingtons; £25 would be enough for 25m of rope; £50 for tackle bags and £400 a drysuit.

Organisers of the appeal want cavers to put together their own fundraising events and ideas to contribute to the fund. The spokesperson said: “This appeal will run until the end of February when we will review the situation, so let’s pull our fingers out and donate and fund raise.”

Details of the appeal can be seen on the Mendip Cave Rescue website.