Peak rescuers honoured

Volunteers have been honoured for giving up their spare time to help people in difficulty on the Peak District moors. Derbyshire Police Chief Constable, Mick Creedon, presented a commendation to members of the seven teams which make up the Peak District Mountain Rescue Association.

They were all invited to the Celebrating Achievement Awards Ceremony at Derbyshire Police headquarters in Ripley, where the commendation was awarded in recognition of services to the community for over 50 years.

The Peak District Mountain Rescue Association is made up of Buxton, Woodhead, Edale, Kinder, Glossop, Derby and Oldham mountain rescue teams, whose unpaid members are on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. Ian Bunting, of Edale mountain rescue team, said: “In our early days there would perhaps be just a few call-outs each year, but in 2013 volunteers spent almost 16,000 man hours on call-outs, showing how far things have come.

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“These days, apart from rescuing climbers, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, teams can be found searching for vulnerable missing people, helping stranded motorists or the ambulance services in snow conditions, dealing with flooding, or attending any other civil emergencies where our skills can be of use.”

Mr Creedon thanked the teams for their efforts over the years.

He said: “Our relationship has grown over the last 50 years and we owe every single volunteer a deep sense of gratitude.

“They give up their time freely and they are on call 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year, ready to attend any incident.

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“It is our turn to recognise their contribution and on behalf of Derbyshire Constabulary and the people who use the countryside of the Peak District we thank them.”

The Peak District Mountain Rescue Association was formed in 1964.