Firefighters at the rescue team's base in 2017. Photo: Central Beacons MRT

A volunteer rescue team in south Wales said it is struggling to raise funds for a new base after a fire destroyed its headquarters three years ago.

A blaze ripped through Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team’s base in November 2017, putting vital equipment and vehicles out of use.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been providing a temporary home for the team in Merthyr Tydfil since then.

The rescuers plan to build a permanent headquarters to replace the burnt-down base, but the coronavirus crisis has led to a reduction in donations and increased pressure on its activities.

A team spokesperson said: “In addition to the fire Covid-19 has hit the team hard with steady demand, despite the restrictions, against a backdrop of reduced donations from the public.

“With 90 callouts so far this year, most of them since the original lockdown in March, the team has had to adapt its working practices both to protect the public and team members from Covid-19, all of which costs time and money.

“The team is not centrally funded and, as a charity, relies heavily on donations from the public and fundraising events to generate the income it needs.”

Team vehicles after the fire. Photo: Central Beacons MRT

Team leader Penny Brockman said: “Out of adversity we want to build a rescue base that will meet the needs of a modern mountain rescue team – a fit-for-purpose building to house the team for years to come and consolidate our 50-year history.

“The fire hit us hard but with help from our supporters and the work of our volunteers we will continued to provide this valuable emergency service.

“We’ve come a long way since the night of 25 November 2017, including winning the Welsh Charity Awards for volunteer team of the year 2019, but we’re not over the finish line just yet.”

Donations can be made via the Central Beacons MRT website or via its JustGiving page.