SEARCH-and-rescue members are used to coping with icy chills and strong winds - and that's just in their control centre!

The Rossendale Search and Rescue Team have been increasingly exposed to the elements as the old windows in their Haslingden headquarters rotted away. Now, two local firms have stepped in to keep the members warm.

VEKA plc, of Burnley, donated new window profiles and S & A Developments of Darwen agreed to make the windows ready for installation.

"The team could not operate as successfully as it does without the help of companies such as Veka and S & A Developments," said team chairman Paul Higgin. "These donations are a tremendous gesture. The money saved can now be spent on new medical equipment."

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