The safety equipment had been installed by the CRO in Kingsdale. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A leading outdoor gear company has stepped in to help a rescue team whose vital safety equipment was stolen from a Yorkshire Dales cave.

Cumbria-based Lyon Equipment has donated replacement carabiners after the theft of a set installed in Kingsdale Master Cave in preparation for an upcoming international meeting.

The Cave Rescue Organisation had installed a highline traverse underground to enable safe access and exit in case of major flooding during the European Speleological Congress which begins at the weekend.

But team members discovered ropes and carabiners had been taken when they checked out the cave.

Lyon Equipment, which distributes brands including Petzl, Beal, La Sportiva and Gregory, said: “We were alarmed to hear about the theft of Cave Rescue Organisation equipment from Kingsdale Master Cave recently, in particular as that equipment was placed in order to provide a safe exit from the cave system in event of a flood during the forthcoming Euro Speleo 2016 event.

“Lyon Equipment have long been supporters of the CRO and our chairman Ben Lyon is the current president of the organisation. Under the circumstances we decided to provide replacement carabiners so that the emergency route can be re-established.”

A spokesperson for the rescue team said: “CRO are extremely grateful for this generous donation of carabiners to replace our stolen ones from the KMC traverse line.

“This has saved us a considerable amount of money and helped to put us quickly into a position where we can retackle the route if needed on a rescue.

“Thank you again for your continued support Lyon Equipment.”