THE Longtown Mountain Rescue (LMR) team is on a high. Herefordshire's fourth emergency service has a new HQ - the biggest achievement yet for their fundraising efforts, writes BILL TANNER.

Voluntary 24-hour lifesavers since the 1960s, LMR relies largely on outside donations to operate.

As part of an on-going drive for funds, members more at home on rugged ranges came down to High Town, Hereford, earlier this year to man a first-ever static display of what they do and how they do it.

The new base behind Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, boasts lecture, training, drying, storage and parking facilities - in all, purpose-built to meet the team's needs.

Previously, it worked out of a depot at Pontrilas with kit stored in vehicles and instruction undertaken at various locations, depending on availability.

Team member Bob Wilson said acquisition of the HQ was a peak for the team's fundraising so far.

The generosity of public support is something members are 'very grateful' for, he added.

They had a hint of how they held after the High Town display - by the end of the day there was £549.80 to put toward equipment upgrades.

LMR is one of four search and rescue teams operating across the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is in the Black Mountains that most of their call-outs originate.

This eastern section of the park, with its steep-sided narrow valleys is tough territory - and popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

Many peaks are over 2000ft, like Waun Fach (2660ft), Pen-Allt-Mawr (2360ft), Pen cerrig-calch (2300ft), Twmpa (2263ft), Rhos Dirian (2338ft) and Hay Bluff (2220ft).

Among other well-known spots include the Sugar Loaf (1955ft), the Skirrid (1994ft) and the Blorenge (1834ft). On the most easterly ridge, above the Llanthony Valley, lies the Offa's Dyke walkway.

But LMR isn't confined to familiar turf.

Lowland and even urban areas are included in a specialist skills brief that has seen it stretched as far north as Snowdonia to the southern reaches of the Bristol Channel.

Around 40 volunteers are available on pagers whenever emergencies arise.

Call-outs are on the increase. The team was scrambled 25 times last year, including Christmas Day.