The new Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association control van

One of the country’s oldest rescue teams has brought its communications into the 21st century with a new control vehicle packed with the latest gear.

The £45,000 off-road control centre will enable Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association’s volunteers to direct rescue operations both on the fells and in the caves of the Yorkshire Dales.

The short-wheelbase VW Transporter, fitted with special off-road tyres, will replace a box trailer previously used for controlling operations.

The team’s transport officer Mike Brown said: “The old trailer was 30 years old and just had a couple of radios inside and with no heating.

“It was pretty grim in winter and, as it only had room for one person, discussions with our controllers, the police and other key personnel had to done outside against the elements.

“We had to make the old trailer work but it was hard going. First of all it needed towing and trying not to take up one of our two Land Rovers it tended to arrive on the back of one of the team members’ cars which then couldn’t get over rough terrain. We are all volunteers and while we are all willing to go out in all weather conditions on the fells or down caves if someone needs help, I must say we are truly thrilled at the facility. It really has been such a boost to us to have this wonderful vehicle at our disposal.”

It took the team more than four years to raise the required funds and then many months of setting out a very detailed specification both for the vehicle and then the communications equipment for the demanding rescue work they perform in the Dales.

A spokesperson for the association said: “The wish list seemed to be never ending but with the help of the North Yorkshire Police who have had similar conversions, a specialist firm was found who met all the requirements with the vehicle delivered this month.”

In addition to the hi-tech communications equipment now used, it had to be able to transport up to four control and communications team members and have a specialised heater that doesn’t require the engine to be running.

A further feature is the 12m (40ft) electronic mast that is extended by the simple push of a button – a major technological advance on the old way of manhandling an antenna against the elements.

Radio communications were previously carried out from an unheated box trailer

Mr Brown, who lives in Skipton with his young family, is a site manager and outdoor pursuits teacher at a school near the UWFRA base in Grassington. In addition to running the rescue vehicles he is also an experienced caver and climber, he added: “The funds came from fundraising events organised and attended by team members and their partners. It had of course to be in addition to the £35,000 we need each year just to keep going and we cannot thank the local people enough for their generosity.”

The team is the third oldest team in the country and has more than 80 trained. The association boasts that in its 63 years of service it has never failed to provide a team when asked to do so by the North Yorkshire Police.

Last year was a record one for the team, with 40 callouts. It is one of only three teams in the country – all in the Yorkshire Dales – which perform both surface and underground rescues.