Underground rescue team operating without a base

Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit is a specialised team which helps those in difficulty underground, particularly in mine workings and caves.

Last year Penrith Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) and Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit (COMRU) began their joint venture to raise £1.8m for a new rescue hub base.

The land for the base is secured, leaving just the mammoth task for the charities to raise the funds.

Penrith MRT has outgrown its current base and COMRU has never had a centre for its 30 volunteers.

"The team has never had a base, we have always relied on the goodwill of team members," said Tracy Binks, COMRU team leader.

Equipment is kept in homes, vehicles and in gardens and volunteers maintain everything themselves.

The BBC joined COMRU on a training exercise deep in Carr's Mine, in Cumbria.

Video produced by Alex Challies.