Visitors invited to see rescue activities

A free day of activities and games has been arranged next month by the Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) to give people a chance to get close up with the volunteers who went to the aid of more than 100 people – mainly walkers – last year.

The day is suitable for children aged five and over but they must be accompanied by an adult. It will run from 11am to 3pm on June 1, meeting at the Cave Rescue Headquarters in Clapham.

Catherine Kemp, the YDNPA’s Outreach Officer, said: “There will be lots of games and activities for children – and for adults it’s an opportunity to see what happens when someone needs help on the hills and in caves.

“Volunteers from the CRO will be on hand to talk about the essential job they do.”

Malcolm Petyt, the authority’s member champion for recreation management, said: “We want families to get active and be healthy in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

“However, it’s important that visitors know how to stay safe when they are out walking and cycling on the hills, so we have teamed up with the Cave Rescue Organisation to put on what we hope will be an interesting event.”

Rae Lonsdale, one of CRO’s duty controllers, said: “We take our work seriously, in CRO, but that doesn’t mean we take ourselves too seriously. We’ll be having a bit of fun with a quiz, some rope-work, a bit of safety education and an exploration of one of the team’s Land Rovers.

“Peace-loving parents will even have an opportunity to immobilise their too-lively offspring in a full body splint while they enjoy a quiet cuppa, if they wish.”

There is no charge for the event but donations towards the work of the Cave Rescue Organisation will be welcomed.