Assistant Chief Constable Sue Cross

The new president of an organisation representing mountain rescue teams in the North-East said she is inspired by their dedication and commitment.

North Yorkshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Sue Cross has taken on the role as head of the seven teams covering 12,000 sq km (5,000 sq miles) in the county and north-eastern England.

The area has a population of more than 2½ million. ACC Cross will serve in the post of president of the North East Search and Rescue Association for a year.

She said: “I have been truly inspired by the dedication and commitment shown by search and rescue volunteers.

“As a police service we have called, and will continue to call, on their expertise and assistance on many occasions. I have personally worked on a number of incidents where their support has been invaluable.

“Our local economy benefits from the thousands of tourists and lovers of the great outdoors who flock to the region for the spectacular countryside and exhilarating outdoor pursuits, activities which are often carried out in remote and inaccessible places.

“All this takes place, safe in the knowledge that there is dedicated team of people at the end of phone ready to come to your aid no matter what.

“I am very honoured to represent such a worthwhile and much valued organisation.”

Cleveland Search and Rescue Team, Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team, North of Tyne, RAF Leeming, Scarborough and Ryedale and Swaledale Mountain Rescue Teams, along with Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team are members of the association.

Chairman Gari Finch said: “We are very pleased to announce that ACC Cross has agreed to take the role of president of NESRA for the forthcoming year.

“North Yorkshire Police have always been very supportive of the organisation and AAC Cross is very welcome. We are looking forward to a new and productive association.”