IT might not be the most thirst-quenching drink, but Lake District rescue volunteers hope people will dig deep to buy them a “metaphorical pint”.

Coniston Mountain Rescue Team is marking its 70th anniversary this year with an appeal to “Buy the Team a pint”. They want people to donate the price of a pint – typically around £3.50 - through a Virgin Giving account on the team’s Facebook page.

Although early records are unclear, it is thought the team has been involved in more than 2,000 incidents since April 1947. Funds raised will be put towards new digital radios.

Jeff Carroll, deputy team leader, said: “We often retire to the pub to wind down after a rescue, and sometimes well-wishers will offer to buy us a pint. We thought that this was a way of allowing people to do just that – metaphorically speaking anyway.”