NORTH Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team has received £1,000 from the Devonshire Freemasons towards the purchase of a new rescue centre.

David Stoneman from NDSRT said: 'The lease on the current building will expire at the end of the year and we are currently in the process of fundraising to enable the team to purchase and convert a building, to house our vehicles and equipment.'

The Freemasons distributed almost £20,000 to 26 charities and worthy causes at the Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall on Friday April 20.

The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Michael Penny said: 'I am delighted that the Freemasons in Devon are able to contribute to local causes.

'Many of these organisations are run on a shoestring by volunteers and these donations provide real benefit and are much appreciated.'

The rescue team currently rents a property in George Street behind the NatWest Bank. They have been based there since the late 1980s, and in that time the team has grown, now owning a control vehicle and LandRover, along with up-to-date rescue equipment.

The team has been busy looking for a new centre over the past 12 months. Originally, the group intended to build its own centre, but with the cost proving too high, it is now looking to buy a site that will allow for rapid deployment should the team be called upon.

The donation from the Freemasons comes from the William Alexander Kneel Endowment (WAKE) Fund which is currently worth approximately £1.5-million. The charitable fund has been accumulated by legacies and donations from Devonshire Freemasons and their families.

More than £400,000 has been donated to nearly 400 beneficiaries since the programme commenced in 2001.

For more information on the North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, visit http://www.ndsart.org.uk">www.ndsart.org.uk