Fireworks set rescue dog alight

Pendle Hill attracts hundreds of people on Halloween

A volunteer search and rescue team say they are "appalled" after fireworks were aimed at one of its dogs at a Halloween gathering in Lancashire.

The Collie's fur ignited when the firework exploded close to it and two rescuers at Pendle Hill on Sunday.

The dog was not seriously hurt but was left shaken, a spokesman for Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue said.

Dr Bob Stokes, team chairman, said the group was "seriously considering" its future involvement in the event.

Pendle Hill attracts hundreds of people at Halloween due to the story of the "Pendle Witches" - 10 men and women hanged in 1612 for practising witchcraft.

The rescue team sent 20 of its 35 members to the hill on Sunday night. They work alongside police to ensure the safety of walkers.

Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue is staffed by volunteers

The rescuers claim that the fireworks were aimed deliberately at them and the dog after the group who threw them targeted verbal abuse at the team.

Dr Stokes said: "This is an appalling abuse by a group of mindless individuals of people who voluntarily provide a public safety service, and when a defenceless animal is also involved it beggars belief.

"If this type of thing happens again we'll have to seriously consider our involvement in this event in future.

"It is simply not fair on team members to put them at risk in this way."

Refused treatment

The team was also called out to Pendle Hill on Saturday night to help five people suffering the effects of hypothermia after drinking alcohol on the hill.

The Lancashire Police helicopter was also launched in the search, but all five rescued refused treatment.

Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue is staffed by volunteers and is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It responds to calls from the police or ambulance service and attends an average 70 incidents a year.