Walking in the Lake District. The Keswick mountain rescue team has a new member says Biglorryblog!

Supplied to Keswick Mountain Rescue Team by Carlisle-based dealer Ciceley Commercials, the specially-equipped van cost nearly £60,000 and replaces a 12-year-old vehicle by another manufacturer that was becoming expensive to maintain. The 47-strong team operates two other off-road vehicles, one of which would normally accompany the Sprinter ambulance to an incident, leaving the other ready to respond to a second call-out. Last year, the team attended 90 incidents. Based on a medium-bodied Sprinter 315CDI, with windows all around, I'm told the the new Merc is powered by a 150hp, 2.2-litre common-rail diesel engine and come with a 4x4 transmission that can be engaged at the touch of a button. The KMRT team also worked closely with the manufacturer to develop a special lower-ratio back axle and the right combination of all-terrain tyres to suit its unique requirements.

The ambulance conversion was handled by Alan Smallwood, of Barnoldswick, Lancashire and can (according to trhe PR blurb) "...Accommodate a Bell Thomas stretcher as well as nine seats with three-point belts. The vehicle also has a towbar, so a boat can be towed to incidents in rivers or lakes. JY Auto Electrics, of Rossendale, Lancashire, added a comprehensive package of communications equipment, including a Clark extending radio mast and GPS tracking, and additional lighting.

"We need 100% reliability from our vehicles and are convinced this is what we'll get from our new Sprinter," says Mick Guy, who chaired the rescue team's vehicle replacement group and explains all to BLB. Only one other manufacturer besides Mercedes-Benz produces an all-wheel drive vehicle of this size, so it quickly came down to a choice between the two of them," he continues. "There was very little in it in terms of cost, but Mercedes-Benz was able to come up with the right chassis much more quickly.

"The Sprinter also had better ground clearance, although initially the demonstrator's gear ratios felt uncomfortably high for safe descents on slippery uneven ground. Thankfully, the manufacturer's technical specialists were able to work with us to produce a lower-ratio back axle and a combination of all-terrain tyres that satisfied our requirements. Our vehicles don't cover great distances - the old ambulance had only done 11,200 miles - but it's really hard graft. They can sit around for days at a time, then suddenly be on the road doing 70mph, or being flogged up a forest track or hillside."

Meanwhile, Keswick Mountain Rescue Team's unpaid volunteers are available at all times of the day and night to assist people in distress on Cumbria's mountains, lakes and rivers. They are responsible for the northern part of the Lake District, which includes England's three highest mountains: Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Skiddaw. And when you need them you'll know they'll be there thanks to their new Sprinter says BLB!

And here's a picture of the real 'star' of the team! Love the high-vis vest. I think I'll get one for Bertie my cocker spaniel!