The South Yorkshire Police helicopter arrives

A police helicopter dropped into an event as hundreds of visitors joined mountain rescuers as they showed off their skills.

Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team members had a visit from the South Yorkshire force’s helicopter during their Go Red for Woodhead gathering, held as part of the National Mountain and Cave Awareness Day on Monday.

The team’s two search and rescue dogs and their handlers put on a display and other members were on hand to provide free first-aid tutorials and map and compass training.

Visitors were challenged to find a selection of household objects hidden in various locations, and music was provided by ex-team member Tony Sturdy and his ceilidh band and the Barnsley Metropolitan Brass Band.

They were also encouraged to wear red in support of the mountain rescue team, which covers the hills and moors around southern Huddersfield and the Woodhead Pass, as well as the north-eastern Peak District and West and South Yorkshire.

The event, at Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne, Barnsley, also included an orienteering course, while team members displayed their vehicles and kit, and ran videos of their work.

Team member Wayne Thackray said: “Those hundreds had their perceptions changed and awareness raised of the work that mountain rescue teams do to support their local communities.”

He thanked the farm’s owners for allowing the use of its facilities.