Firefighters at the rescue team's base in 2017. Photo: Central Beacons MRT

Rescuers whose base suffered severe damage in a fire are appealing to the public for cash to help increase security at its temporary home.

Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team lost the use of its Merthyr Tydfil headquarters after the blaze in November 2017.

Since then, it has been operating from premises provided by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

A team spokesperson said it was lucky to have been housed by the fire service. “But we need to make a few improvements, and to get some security gates installed to protect our vital lifesaving equipment.”

The mountain rescuers need to raise £7,500 for the work. At the time of writing, donations had totalled just less than £1,000.

The spokesperson said: “Last year we rescued over 120 people thanks to the support we receive from donors, large and small, but we have to ask again for your support.

“Any donation, small or large, would be gratefully received.”

Donations can be made via the Central Beacons MRT’s JustGiving page.