A PUMA has joined a mountain rescue team.

The Puma Land Rover vehicle has been bought by Cleveland Mountain Rescue and the team has been familiarising itself with the vehicle and equipment.

It represents the first result of a long-term fund raising campaign designed to replace the team’s existing aged Land Rovers.

Lord Crathorne the President of Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team was on hand to celebrate with the rescuers and thank donors and fund-raisers.

Jason Armstrong, transport officer for the team, said: “Our Land Rovers are the essential work-horses of the Team. Being able to replace them ensures that we can continue to provide an effective Search and Rescue Service to the communities of Cleveland and North Yorkshire.”

It is expected that the new vehicle will come into service in the next few days once training on the vehicle has been completed.