OLDHAM’S famous mountain rescue team are used to going up in the world to help save people’s lives ...

But they really had to battle the elements to complete a mission of mercy at Saddleworth’s historic parish church.

Long-serving team member, Dave Allport and his wife Dorene, donated a new St George flag for the St Chad’s church tower to replace a previous one which, over the years, had been buffeted and shredded by the elements.

But initial efforts to raise the emblematic flag by Dave and team members Rebecca Fitton, Ron McFaull and Iain Dredge were hampered by fierce winds and rain.

An OMRT spokesperson said: “The weather, coupled with the fact the flag was twisted around the pole, made them give up.

“However, later the weather was kinder for them but unfortunately they still had to bring down the flagpole and fit new rope. It took just 45 minutes in all and its now looking good and they hoisted it for the festive season.”

Lily Hopkinson, of the church’s parochial church council, said the elements, coupled with the fact that it was twisted around the pole made them give up.

“Like all Churches, we at St.Chad’s (Saddleworth Church) have to work hard to maintain the 800-year Christian presence in Uppermill.

“Money is always tight so we were extremely grateful when a member of our congregation and her husband, offered to donate a new St George’s flag for the tower of St Chad's Church.

“Dave Allport and his wife Dorene, were not only our generous benefactors but Dave, a long serving Oldham Mountain Rescue team member along with four of his fellow Team members hoisted up the new flag in December.

“This job was not as easy as they first thought. They tried the previous weekend, however wind and rain, plus the fact that the old tatty flag and rope were twisted around the pole made them give up on the first attempt.

“The following weekend the weather was kinder for them but unfortunately they still had to bring down the flagpole and fit new rope. It took just 45mins in all and its now looking good for Christmas and the New Year.

“We at St Chad’s are ultra-grateful to Dorene, Dave and his team,” she added.