Aberglaslyn mountain rescue team has bypass base

The team plans to stay at the contractor's site until next year

A search and rescue team in Snowdonia has a new home after contractors working on a bypass scheme gave them an empty cabin to use as a base.

Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue can also use other facilities for meetings, and park rescue vehicles, near the Porthmadog site.

The team has over 30 volunteers covering parts of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula.

It needs to raise £20,000 before work can be completed on its permanent base.

The cabin opposite the fire station in Porthmadog will be used to store equipment likes stretchers, ropes and first aid kit.

Two modified Land Rovers and other emergency vehicles used by will be parked at the contractors' compound when not in use.

"It's brilliant," said Dion Jones, a call-out co-ordinator with the team.

"It's an ideal setup for us because the bypass compound is in a central location and it's a great meeting place."

Mr Jones said he was "speechless" when the offer was made.

"It's fantastic and I can't thank the bypass team enough," he added.

The rescue team covers 750 square kilometres (466 miles) including Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula.

Team members train every week and deal with about 50 callouts a year.

The team plans to relocate from the bypass compound next year.

The contractors have also offered to resurface the track leading up to the team's new premises saving £5,000.

Alun Jones, public liaison officer for the bypass project ,said the companies were delighted to help a "selfless group" of volunteers.

"The team does a fantastic job and I hope they find our facilities useful," he added.

The £35m Porthmadog bypass is aimed at improving journey times and easing congestion on the A487.