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THE Army has changed its policy on charging a search team for training on military land in the wake of criticism after the death of a soldier.Following an investigation by The Northern Echo, Army bosses have reduced a fee levied on Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team (SMRT) for training on ranges at Catterick Garrison.The decision was taken after 30 SMRT volunteers searched into the night on Friday for a 17-yearold soldier washed away while trying to cross a swollen stream.The body of Private Andrew Borkertas was found the next day by colleagues from Teesdale Mountain Rescue Team.Following the search, SMRT volunteers criticised the Army for charging the charity when the team was called on to search for missing soldiers.SMRT training officer Duane Fletcher said: "We only train on the land about 24 times a year."Another member said it was ironic that the team searched the same area of land at Risedale Beck, south-west of Catterick, that it paid to train on.In response, the Army yesterday agreed to reduce the [pounds]100 annual charge to a nominal fee of only [pounds]5.An Army spokesman said Lieutenant Colonel Julian Crow, commander of Defence Training Estate North, had taken the decision to reduce the fee in light of the rescue team's efforts to find the missing soldier at the weekend.SMRT controller Paul Denning welcomed the decision.He said: "We wish to continue supporting the Army and we are very grateful to be able to continue using its facilities, which are ideal for our training."In October, SMRT was called out to find another soldier who went missing near Cambrai Barracks, Catterick Garrison.The recruit later turned up safe and well.The group relies on donations and fundraising by members to keep going and has launched a [pounds]30,00 appeal to replace two Land Rover ambulances. To make a donation or to become a rescue volunteer, visit www. swaledalemrt. org. uk, or call 01748-826998.