Walkers enjoy the challenge on a previous Grin 'n' Bear It. Photo: Gordon Gibbons

A mountain rescue team is appealing for the public’s support after revealing the recent Government grant will still leave them short of cash.

Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team wants keen walkers and runners to join its annual Grin ‘n’ Bear It challenge to raise money for its operations.

The team is also keen for families to take part in a shorter walk which proved popular last year.

The Westminster Government said at the beginning of the month it would give £200,000 to the volunteer mountain and cave rescue teams in the UK. The Scottish Government already donates £300,000 to teams north of the border, and teams in England and Wales will be left to share £124,000.

Woodhead MRT media liaison officer Wayne Thackray said: “Despite recent announcements of a grant from the Government to support mountain rescue in England and Wales, teams still need the vital support from public donations.

“The grant which represents an offset of tax paid on equipment may actually go to the national umbrella association. At this moment in time no money direct from Government will reach the teams.”

Team vice-chairman Peter Stott added: “To make matters worse, the money may only be used for equipment purchases and will not help fund the soaring running costs of teams like fuel and electricity. The money can only be claimed in arrears from 2012.

“This amount approximately equates to 10 per cent of our running costs. Of course the more rescues we do the more the cost increases. While it seems a lot, £2,000 would only buy four radios.”

The Meltham-based rescuer said: “We are always grateful for Government acknowledgement of the work we do. In the cold light of day what it actually means is that if no money is donated then we have no money to spend on equipment, which means we will not be able to claim the Government rebate.”

The Woodhead team wants to boost the number of participants in its big annual fundraiser, a 37km (23-mile) hike across what the rescuers describe as some of the most rugged and scenic parts of the Peak District national park. A medium route of 26km (16 miles) is also available, as is the family-oriented short course of 7¼km (4½ miles) with a pub break in the middle.

The Woodhead team needs the public's financial support to carry out its rescues

The event takes place on Saturday 1 October and starts and ends at Crow Edge Community Centre, south of Huddersfield on the A616 (SE 180 051). Walkers start at 8am; runners at 10am and the family walk will set off at 11am. The minimum entry donation is £10 or £12 on the day. The team stresses that all proceeds will go to supporting the rescuers for another year.

Route-finding skills using a route description and map and compass in poor weather conditions are essential for the longer, more challenging moorland routes, organisers said. Appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather conditions are needed and well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome.

There will be refreshment points around the routes and the rescue team will be on hand manning checkpoints, giving directions and ready to respond if needed. A free, home-cooked hot meal and drinks is also on offer to all who complete the routes.

Team secretary Phil Newing said: “This is always a huge undertaking for us, taking up many, many hours of work. All our kit has to be paid for by donations from members of the public, legacy and fundraising.

“Supporting the team in fundraising is just as important as being on the hill doing the mountain rescue stuff. Raising the money to provide our essential service is becoming harder month by month and without this kind of public support we would find ourselves struggling to help out local communities.”

Anyone raising £30 or more in sponsorship will have his or her entry fee waived.

More details, including entry details and registration forms, are on the Woodhead MRT website.