Superintendent Firth and partnership funding officer Lisa Raynor hand over the gear to Richard Smith and Jonathan Cole, right

Superintendent Firth and partnership funding officer Lisa Raynor hand over the gear to Richard Smith and Jonathan Cole, right

A rescue team has received new climbing harnesses thanks to the proceeds of crime.

West Yorkshire Police used cash taken from criminals to buy the equipment for Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team.

The harnesses will be used by members of the Mytholmroyd-based team during rescues on steep ground.

Superintendent Vince Firth and the police’s partnership funding officer Lisa Raynor handed over the gear to team representatives at Halifax police station as part of the scheme to distribute some of the money taken back from convicted criminals to the community.

Calder Valley SRT equipment officer Richard Smith said: “Harnesses are an essential piece of personal safety equipment and integral to our rope systems.

“They provide protection to team members during rope rescues on steep ground and crags. As with all of our safety equipment, it must be replaced regularly which can be costly, so this generous donation is gratefully received and means our team members can continue to operate safely.

“CVSRT is a registered charity providing essential support to the statutory emergency services and is funded entirely through donations such as this.”

Funding for the harnesses was provided under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Mr Smith and deputy team leader Jonathan Cole accepted the equipment on behalf of the Calder Valley team members.

Superintendent Firth said: “We are delighted to be able to support Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team through money that has been taken from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act. This money is going directly back to support the wider community and the fantastic work the CVSRT do each and every day.

“We regularly work closely with the team. Their support is invaluable to us, particularly when searching for missing or potentially vulnerable people. The volunteers at CVSRT do a fantastic job in supporting the communities of Calderdale each and every day and helping to keep people safe.”

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