The team has started a search for a new permanent headquarters. We are looking for accommodation for the two ambulances, essential team equipment and training facilities. At present we have the use of a large garage for storage but it is not suitable for training purposes, so we use rooms, remote from the equipment, generously provided by local businesses.

We are launching a campaign to raise £250,000 to purchase either an existing building, which could be converted to meet our needs or to buy land on which to build the new headquarters. The location is around northwest of Derby as far as Wirksworth or Ashbourne. Anyone who has any proposals., please write to our secretary (details below).

Members of the 51st Derby Rover Scouts formed the Team in 1964 after the tragedy on the Four Inns walk. It is now a well-respected specialised search and rescue unit. The Team consists of 55 members made up of men and women who are on call 24 hours 365 days a year. Derby Mountain Rescue Team covers a large area of the southern Peak District, north to Milldale and Chatsworth and as far south as Milton Keynes.

Robin Knott, the Team Chairman and a founder member, has seen the work and ability of the Team change over the years. He said: "From the early beginnings in 1964 with a group of young men interested in hill walking, the Team has grown into a significant professional voluntary organisation that is treated as an equal by all the emergency services. Its members have to be physically fit and well-trained in search and rescue techniques and medical skills."

Steve Hilditch, the Team Leader, commented that "the team of volunteers, who have provided a professional Rescue Service free to the public for over 40 years, now require a headquarters to sustain and improve the service in the future". He added "Our desire to continue to provide the best possible service for our community, with up-to-date training techniques and facilities. With the support from the community and business will help with our fundraising to hit our target to £250,000".

Derby Mountain Rescue Team have gained the support of Derbyshire’s recently retired Chief Constable, David Coleman for their headquarters project.

"Mountain rescue volunteers provide invaluable support to Derbyshire Constabulary and other regional police forces. Although this is a voluntary organisation, it is far from being "amateur". Volunteers are a highly trained, committed group who have superb skills in mountain craft, search and rescue. Each year, many people find themselves in serious danger and in need of rescue, through accident or other causes. This is not confined to those engaging in outdoor pursuits but includes lost and confused people, sometimes children, sometimes the elderly and infirm. Without the assistance of Derby Mountain Rescue Team, and their sister organisations in the Peak District, I am certain that more of them would lose their lives. A permanent base for the team would enable them to improve their already excellent service, and I hope the community will dig deep in its pockets to support this wonderful project."

People who wish to support this project can do so by making donations to "Derby Mountain Rescue Team" and post to: DMRT Treasurer, Derby Mountain Rescue Team, PO BOX 7409, Derby, DE1 0HP. Contact our secretary at Tel 07050 155537, or email: secretary@derbymrt.org.uk.

You can help further if you choose to sign a gift aid declaration, allowing the team to claim a further 28p for every pound you donate. A declaration form can be downloaded .