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Mountain rescue teams given King's award

BBC Volunteers Rachel Smith and Mark Silmon, wearing red mountain rescue uniform overalls, stand in front of a 4x4 rescue vehicle. Both of them are smiling looking into the camera. BBC
Volunteer Rachel Smith said it has been "special for everyone involved" to receive the honour

Two mountain rescue teams have been honoured with a King's Award for Voluntary Service.

Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team (NNPMRT) and North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team (NOTMRT) were jointly recognised for their dedication, courage, and commitment.

The honour is the highest award given to local volunteer groups in recognition of their outstanding community service.

NOTMRT volunteer Rachel Smith said mountain rescue wanted "people to enjoy what is on our doorstep" and the award was "special for everyone involved".

Voluntary wardens from Northumberland National Park first established a rescue team in May 1966.

Aaron Duke, wearing red mountain rescue uniform overalls, stand in front of a 4x4 rescue vehicle. He is smiling looking into the camera.
Aaron Duke said the teams also work in towns and cities

Ms Smith said: "We live in the one of the most beautiful parts of the world, you have to go and enjoy it but sometimes accidents do happen.

"[People] need to know that someone will always come and get them if it's needed."

Callouts in the past decade have included supporting the fire service with a number of major wildfires, responding to 46 incidents in a 72-hour period during the Beast from the East and a crashed glider.

But volunteer Aaron Duke said: "We don't just work in the mountains, we're in the centre of cities and towns."

A glider which has crashed atop of the Cheviot. The weather conditions are poor and there are two rescue members in the shot.
In January 2019, teams scrambled to rescue an injured glider pilot

Both rescue teams reported increased demands in the past ten years, with callouts rising to an average of 76 per year.

"Not only is it a big commitment to the volunteers, it's a massive commitment to our families because they are the ones supporting us and allowing us to go out at the drop of a hat," volunteer Mark Silmon said.

Dr Caroline Pryer, the Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland, will present both teams with the award at a ceremony later this year.

She said there continues to be "outstanding teamwork in training, preparation and rescue incidents and the dedicated support to residents and visitors in our county".

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