THREE Mountain Rescue teams are to benefit from a cash boost of nearly £5,000 thanks to fund-raising efforts by staff at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

The Arrochar, Lomond and Killin Mountain Rescue Teams will split the £4,786 raised by the staff between them to help provide vital search and rescue services.

Each year the staff at the National Park Authority choose a charity of the year. The three Mountain Rescue Teams were chosen for 2016/17 with staff running a series of events and activities throughout the year including running a marathon, quiz, Great Scottish Swim, cake bakes, tea and toast mornings and a very popular tuck shop.

A cheque for the funds was presented to members of the three teams at the National Park Headquarters in Balloch last week.

Mountain Rescue teams are run completely by volunteers to provide a round-the-clock search and rescue services, often making the difference between life and death for those in trouble across Scotland’s mountains.

Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: “The National Park is visited by around 4 million people each year and includes many popular mountains and walking routes such as the West Highland Way.

"Unfortunately from time to time people do get into difficulties on these routes. These teams of volunteers are able to deploy immediately, at all times of day and the year, in all weathers to get to people in often life threatening situations so the service they provide is absolutely vital.

“The charity of the year is voted for by our staff and they really throw themselves into fundraising, having a lot of fun as they do. I’m delighted with the amount we’ve managed to raise for the Mountain Rescue Teams over the past year and want to thank our staff for all their efforts.”

If you or someone you know is involved in a mountain incident and need help dial 999 and ask for the Police, then Mountain Rescue who will deploy the nearest team.