The challenge centres on Ingleborough. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A rescue team in the Yorkshire Dales has cancelled its annual fundraising challenge event because of lockdown restrictions.

The Cave Rescue Organisation’s Ingleborough Challenge was due to take place on 16 May.

The team, which provides volunteer search and rescue cover both in the caves and on the fells of the western area of the Dales, including the popular Three Peaks route, said: “After much soul searching and heartache, this year’s Ingleborough Challenge will not now go ahead.

“The date in the calendar, Saturday of the third week in May, is co-ordinated with other local organisations to ensure there is no clash of events. Unfortunately, due to the government’s preferred dates for the easing of lockdown, our event will not be permitted.

“We plan to reinstate the event in 2022, so mark the date in your diary for next year: 21May 2022, when we hope to meet you all again.”

The challenge offers walkers and runners the choice of two routes over and around Ingleborough, of 26 or 12 miles, with entry fees and sponsorship money providing cash for the team’s operations.

Both routes begin and end in Clapham, where the Cave Rescue Organisation is based, and the event is marshalled by team members.