Mountain rescue team experience one of their busiest years

ITV News Central has been following the work of Derby's Mountain Rescue Team as they experience one of their busiest years.

They have been called out 45 times in 2017, which is the highest number since 2012.

For almost 50 years volunteers from the Derby Mountain Rescue Team have used their expertise to search & recover injured walkers or climbers.

The Team's history can be traced back to a tragic event in March 1964 when three Rover Scouts died during a race walk called the 4 Inns, whilst crossing Bleaklow Moor in the Peak District.

All three died as a result of hypothermia, one barely a quarter of a mile from the road.

At this time rescues were organised on an ad-hoc basis and often with locals and the police making their best efforts in difficult situations with minimal gear.

Derby Mountain Rescue Team was formed as a direct result of the 4 Inns tragedy and originally consisted of members of the 51st Derby (St Lukes) Rover Scouts who were keen on walking and climbing.

The Team remains closely involved with the Scout Association to this day and is Operational throughout the 4 Inns walk, which remains a popular annual event.

In difficult terrain, or where a casualty needs urgent medical care, the option of using a Coastguard helicopter or air ambulance to transport someone to hospital is crucial.

The formation of this team and others led to the establishment of a regional Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation (PDMRO) with a role of co-ordinating search and rescue within the area.

Major fund raising and training throughout the early 1970's led to Derby Team being recognised as an official Mountain Rescue Team.

The team are a charity, and need around £25,000-£30,000 to keep going each year.