The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is having a January sale.

Anyone joining in the first two months of 2008 – and electing to pay by direct debit – will get half price membership.

The deal, which obviously aims to boost the numbers of the council, means a year’s membership can be had for £14.75. Many retailers offer a ten per cent discount to BMC cardholders, so you could make your fee back with a single significant purchase.

The BMC represents more than 60,000 mountaineers – climbers, hillwalkers, winter mountaineers – and is also involved in campaigning and conservation.

Details of the offer are on the BMC’S website.