The collection box was at the remote car park at Mardale Head. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Thieves have vandalised a volunteer rescuers’ donation box and stolen its contents.

The box, belonging to Penrith Mountain Rescue Team, was at a remote location at the car park at Mardale Head.

A team spokesperson said: “Team members arriving for Sunday’s team training at Mardale Head were dismayed to find our collection box, set in a stone wall, had been vandalised and the donations it contained stolen.

“The team is entirely voluntary and we rely on donations and the generosity of the public to keep ourselves operational.”

The vandalised site of the collection box. Photo: Penrith MRT

Penrith said donations to the team can be made via its website.

Cumbria police said the cash box, at the head of the Haweswater reservoir in the eastern Lake District, was broken into some time between 1 and 6 July.

A Cumbria Constabulary spokesperson said: “If anyone saw this happen or has any information which may assist the investigation, please contact the police on 101, quoting incident log number CP-20250707-0111.”